Tire Burst on Training Aircraft at Karachi Airport

KARACHI: A training aircraft suffered a tire burst while taxiing from the taxiway to the runway at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, sources confirmed. The incident occurred when the aircraft, operated by a private aviation company, was preparing for takeoff. Thanks to the swift reaction of the captain, the situation was quickly brought under control by applying the emergency brake, preventing further damage or injuries.

Despite the quick response, the aircraft sustained damage exceeding Rs500,000. Both the Pakistan Airports Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority have been alerted about the incident. Additionally, the Aircraft Owners Association has been notified.

The event highlights the ongoing safety challenges at Karachi Airport. Recently, concerns have been raised about stray dogs and debris around the General Aviation hangars, which have posed safety risks to both training and commercial flights. One such incident occurred when a stray dog came dangerously close to a taxiing aircraft, prompting the cancellation of the flight.

Authorities took action to remove stray animals from the vicinity of the airport, but debris, particularly metal objects near the hangars, continues to be a concern. These hazards, including aircraft tire bursts, have led to significant financial losses due to repairs and flight delays.

Read More: LCCA to Serve as Practice Venue for Champions Trophy 2025: Naqvi

Airport officials have been urged to take swift action to address these safety issues, ensuring that both passengers and aircraft remain protected from potential accidents. Additionally, concerns over garbage accumulation near the airport, which may attract stray animals and increase the risk of bird strikes, have also been raised.

In August 2021, the presence of stray dogs on the runway led to their being shot by airport officials after they were spotted during a plane’s takeoff, further drawing attention to the security measures in place at the airport.