Planes avert clash at Karachi Airport

A major mishap was averted at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport on Saturday when a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) aircraft came face-to-face with a private carrier plane allegedly due to an air traffic controller (ATC) miscommunication and negligence.

The incident occurred when the Karachi-bound aircraft from Lahore was preparing to land on the runway when it observed a plane taxiing from the opposite direction. With only three-miles distance left between the two, both planes nearly collided.

However, acting promptly, the pilots switched their directions, escaping a potentially fatal collision, and landed safely.

According to the sources, the airtaffic controller immediately directed the private airline's aircraft to land on runway number 7 while the PIA flight was directed to land on runway number 25.

The PIA captain landed the aircraft and directed the oncoming plane for a go-around manoeuvre.

Displaying agility, the captain of the private airline immediately diverted the plane instead of landing.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CIA) has taken notice of the incident and has ordered an investigation.

A response has been also sought from the ATC, sources added.