Air traffic remains suspended at Lahore airport's main runway

Authorities attempt to remove plane from runway shoulder.


Web Desk September 01, 2012

LAHORE: Departure and arrival of larger aircraft on the main runway at Allama Iqbal International Airport remained suspended for the second day after it was closed to air traffic on Friday following the faulty landing of a PIA aircraft, Express News reported on Saturday.

PIA flight PK653, inbound from Islamabad, skidded off the main runway of Lahore’s airport and onto the shoulder while landing.

The main runway remained closed on Saturday as authorities attempted to remove the plane from the runway shoulder. The reason for the delay in moving the aircraft is reportedly the downpour which was initially believed to be the cause of the accident.

Reasons for the accident are being investigated; however initial investigations, based on statements from air traffic control (ATC) and the pilot, have revealed that the pilot attempted to land the plane some 500ft before the touchdown point.

Authorities attempting to move the plane off the runway say it could take up to 3 hours to reopen the runway for larger aircraft.

It was earlier reported that almost a third of PIA flights have suffered delays this year due to technical and administrative reasons, dealing a severe blow to the national flag carrier’s business.

COMMENTS (5)

Ali | 11 years ago | Reply

Airplane skidding off the runway in bad weather is just an unfortunate accident, which must be taken as such. But that is not to say that PIA, while being a state owned entity, is a viable option for this hapless nation. It has already lost Rs 18 billion in the first six months of the current year, and stands to lose another 22 billion by the end of the year. Just think about it.

Majid sheikh | 11 years ago | Reply

I have just returned frustrated from Heathrow where the incompetent staff have caused a major scene. The security staff have sealed off portion of Gate B of Terminal 3 where shocked passengers are raising slogans against PIA. The arrangements offered are a dodgy motel near the airport.

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