Narrow miss: SAI flight escapes disaster

LAHORE: A Dubai-bound Shaheen Air International (SAI) flight had a narrow miss on Thursday when three of its tyres burst just before it was to take to the skies from Allama Iqbal International Airport (AIIA).  A Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) spokesperson said the Dubai-bound NL-766, carrying 160 passengers, was about to take off when one of the aircraft’s pilots took note of low thrust in one of the airplane’s engines and applied emergency brakes. He said no one had been injured in the episode and all passengers had been safely evacuated from the aircraft. The main AAIA runway was closed for a brief period following the incident. CAA and SAI staff later towed the aircraft to a taxiway. CAA airworthiness monitors inspected the aircraft and replaced the affected tyres. The CAA spokesperson said a probe into the incident had been ordered. A spokesperson for SAI said the pilot’s sharp presence of mind had averted any mishap. He said the company never compromised on the safety of passengers.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 3^rd, 2016.