ISLAMABAD: Unknown assailants fired several rockets near Afghanistan's Kandahar airport on Tuesday while a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane was on the tarmac ready for departure, DawnNews reported.

The flight PK-199, with 42 passengers on board, was ready to depart for Quetta when eight to 10 rockets were fired from multiple sides close to the airport.

However, PIA officials confirmed that the passengers and flight crew were safe and that there was no damage to the aircraft.

The plane was grounded temporarily as the airfield was shut down following the attack. However, officials confirmed that the field was subsequently cleared for operation and that the PIA flight would depart shortly.