RAWALPINDI: A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) pilot alerted air traffic control while landing at Islamabad International Airport after he observed a ‘trace of light’ in the funnel area Tuesday night.

According to sources, the pilot of an Airbus A-320, for PIA flight PK-352 from Quetta, alerted air traffic control after he observed traces of light similar to a gunshot when he was 15 to 20 kilometres from the runway.

Police and aviation officials were called in immediately and searched the funnel area for several hours even though the plane landed safely and passengers had left the airport.

A PIA spokesperson told Dawn that the pilot, flight captain S. Najam, told air traffic control that he observed gunshots while approaching for landing.

“It is always very difficult to control the plane when it is approaching for landing,” he said, adding: “Whatever was there, it diverts the attention of the pilot. However, the plane landed safely at the airport but this should not happen in the funnel area.”

A senior police official told Dawn a police contingent was sent to the airport and searched their respective areas but did not find anything, such as gunfire or a fireworks display.

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2019