A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight from Dubai to Multan narrowly avoided disaster when all its tires burst during an aborted takeoff. The Airbus A320, carrying 172 passengers, faced an engine malfunction that led to the emergency activation of its brake system, resulting in the sudden blowout of all tires.
Technical Fault During Takeoff
As the aircraft was accelerating on the runway, a warning about engine failure was received, according to a PIA spokesperson. The flight captain promptly engaged the emergency brake system, successfully halting the plane, but this rapid deceleration caused all the tires to burst. Passengers were safely evacuated and transferred to the airport lounge.
Read More: Skilled Pilot Saves PIA Flight After Hydraulic Malfunction
The PIA engineering department responded swiftly, dispatching a technical team from Karachi to Dubai to resolve the issue. The team was sent on a flight scheduled to arrive between Monday and Tuesday night, aiming to fix the technical fault and prepare the plane for future operations.
Flight Disruptions and Passenger Safety
PIA management arranged alternative flights for the affected passengers. Some were accommodated on PIA flight PK 204 from Dubai to Lahore, while others were scheduled to fly from Sharjah to Multan. Although the incident caused delays, all passengers remained safe, and the national airline worked to minimise disruptions to their travel plans.
This recent incident follows another technical failure just days earlier, when a PIA flight from Muscat to Peshawar had to be diverted to Karachi due to a hydraulic issue.
PIA’s Financial Struggles and Privatization Efforts
The incident comes at a time of heightened scrutiny on PIA, as the airline continues to face severe financial difficulties. Burdened with approximately USD 2.9 billion in debt, PIA has struggled to stay afloat despite multiple government bailout packages. The government of Pakistan is currently in the process of privatising the national carrier, following recommendations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Read More: PIA flight safely landed in Dubai after reporting mid-air emergency
The Privatisation Commission recently extended the bidding deadline for PIA’s privatisation to October 31, 2024. This extension, however, has raised concerns among aviation experts who warn that such delays could negatively affect the privatisation process. Six private companies, including Blue World City, Air Blue, and Arif Habib, remain in the running for the acquisition of PIA.
