AiBotA Pakistani K2 Airways Boeing 737-400 cargo aircraft carrying five people has disappeared from radar while en route from Sharjah, UAE, to Karachi, Pakistan, prompting a massive search-and-rescue operation over the Arabian Sea. The incident occurred at approximately 9:21 p.m. local time (16:21 GMT) when air traffic control personnel at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport observed the aircraft plummeting rapidly while executing an abrupt heading change.
According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Airport Authority (CAA), radar contact and communications were lost roughly 155 nautical miles west of Karachi, leaving authorities scrambling to locate the missing aircraft. An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the disappearance and establish the aircraft’s last known location.
Eyewitnesses on board several passing ships and local residents have reported seeing the aircraft’s lights flickering and then disappearing from view. However, no debris or wreckage have been discovered, fueling concerns that the aircraft may have crashed into the Arabian Sea, which has a notorious reputation for its treacherous weather and waters.
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Pakistan Navy have joined forces with the CAA to initiate a thorough search operation using naval aircraft and vessels. Authorities have also dispatched helicopters to scan the sea and surrounding areas for signs of the missing plane.
“This is an extremely distressing incident, and we are working tirelessly to locate the missing aircraft and ensure the safety of the passengers on board,” said a CAA spokesperson, adding that authorities were doing everything possible to support the families of the missing individuals.
Air traffic control data indicates that the Boeing 737-400, with call sign PK-402, had been cleared for landing at Karachi Airport before losing contact. The five people on board include two pilots, two aircrew members, and one cargo handler.
As the search-and-rescue operation continues into the early hours of the morning, Pakistani authorities have appealed to the public for any information or assistance that may aid in the recovery of the missing aircraft. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the ever-present risks and uncertainties of air travel, particularly in regions known for their complex and often treacherous weather conditions.
International authorities, including neighboring countries and global aviation bodies, have also been informed about the incident, with a team from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) expected to fly to Pakistan to assist in the investigation.