Latest news with #Airblue
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- General
- Express Tribune
Margalla Hills tragedy remembered
Fifteen years have passed since the tragic Airblue plane crash in the Margalla Hills, yet the pain of losing loved ones remains etched in the hearts of the bereaved families. The ill-fated flight, Airblue ABQ-202, en route from Karachi to Islamabad, crashed into the Margalla Hills on July 28, 2010, killing all 152 people on board, including six crew members and Captain Pervez Iqbal Chaudhry. The Safety Investigation Board (SIB), in its final report, held the pilot responsible for the accident, citing serious violations of flying discipline. The report revealed that the captain had placed the aircraft in an unsafe situation, attempting to descend in poor weather while disregarding flight procedures and air traffic control instructions. Investigators also pointed to a breakdown in cockpit resource management and poor crew coordination, noting that despite being aware of the captain's critical mistakes, the co-pilot failed to intervene. The cockpit environment was described as "extremely tense and unpleasant," which contributed to the crew's inability to manage the situation effectively. According to the report, the captain was aware of adverse weather conditions over Islamabad, Peshawar, and Lahore that day. At 9.36am, the crew had contacted the air traffic control tower regarding weather and wind conditions and were advised of strong crosswinds and the unavailability of the runway due to heavy clouds. Despite these warnings, the pilot attempted to land, resulting in the aircraft crashing into the hills.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- General
- Express Tribune
Remembering Airblue Flight 202
Listen to article Fifteen years ago, on July 28, 2010, Airblue Flight 202 tragically crashed into Islamabad's Margalla Hills, taking the lives of 152 individuals, including my father. For those of us who lost loved ones that day, the pain remains raw. We remember the passengers and crew who boarded that flight with dreams and plans, only for it to end in devastation. The question that has haunted us since remains: what has Pakistan done to ensure such tragedies never happen again? The answer today, thankfully, is more hopeful than it has been in the past. The years following the Airblue crash saw a series of aviation disasters, each serving as a grim reminder of systemic failures. From Bhoja Air's crash in 2012 to PIA's in Havelian in 2016, and more recently, the Air India runway overshoot in 2024 that made international headlines, the aviation world has had painful lessons. The United States has its own spate of recent aviation challenges. However, in Pakistan, we haven't seen a major aviation disaster in the last few years. For this, appropriate credit must be given. Globally, the Boeing 737 Max tragedies raised awareness about flight safety and the dangers of cutting corners. These incidents, along with others, remind us why oversight, transparency and strong safety cultures matter. A recent article in The Wall Street Journal noted that flying has become safer overall: in 2023, as many as 17 people died for every billion passengers flown, down from 50 the year before. That's real progress, driven by a culture of learning from mistakes without assigning blame — so people can report problems early and fix them before something goes wrong. It's not clear if Pakistan has adopted this mindset. Let us not mistake a break in accidents for lasting safety. The absence of crashes doesn't mean the job is done. If history has taught us anything, it's that complacency is the enemy of progress. Just a few years ago, we learned that nearly one-third of pilots in Pakistan had fake licences. That wasn't just embarrassing — it was dangerous. Some of those pilots flew for years. How was this possible? What's changed to make sure it never happens again? Fixing aviation isn't just about technology — it's about leadership. Systems and rules are only as strong as the people who enforce them. Those who run Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority must hold airlines, pilots and regulators to the highest standards. Safety checks should be routine, honest, and shared with the public. Investigations must be fair and free from pressure. We also can't forget the families. Too often, they're treated like afterthoughts — waiting months for death certificates, or struggling to get answers. We need to do better. From grief counseling to clear legal support, the system should make space for compassion, not confusion. I now serve as the mayor of Saratoga, California, a small city of 31,000 people my father once chose as home. He came here hoping for a better life for his children. I've come to see firsthand how complex government can be, even at the local level. Writing smart policy, enforcing it fairly, and making government work is hard. But it matters. My father's death, caused in part by government failure, is what drives my belief in what government can — and must — do when it's done right. It's not easy, but no one ever said it should be. Fifteen years without my father has been a lifetime of grief, but also of reflection. When I think about how far we've come, I find cautious optimism. But optimism must be coupled with action. The absence of recent crashes is not a reason to relax — it's a reason to stay alert. Let Pakistan's safety gains be a foundation to build on, not a reason to sit back. As we remember the lives lost on Airblue Flight 202 and all the tragedies that followed, let this anniversary be not just a day of mourning, but a call to action. May the next 15 years bring not only the absence of crashes, but also the presence of excellence in every aspect of Pakistan's aviation industry!
Bloomberg
19-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Pakistan Draws Several Bidders for Loss-Making National Airline
Pakistan's sale of its national airline has drawn interest from several parties, including domestic carrier Airblue Ltd. and travel conglomerate Gerry's Group. Airblue Managing Director Aslam Chaudhary and Gerry's Group Managing Director Akram Wali Muhammad both confirmed their plans to participate in the sale of a 51% to 100% stake in Pakistan International Airlines to Bloomberg News.
Arab News
15-06-2025
- Arab News
Over 11,410 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims return from Saudi Arabia
ISLAMABAD: A total of 11,418 Pakistani pilgrims have returned in the post-Hajj flight operation so far, the country's religion ministry said on Sunday. Pakistan began its post-Hajj flight operation with the arrival of PIA flight PK-732 in Islamabad on June 11, carrying 307 pilgrims. The country is expected to conclude the operation on July 10, with the last flight carrying Hajj pilgrims to land in Islamabad. This year's Hajj took place from June 4 to June 9, drawing millions of pilgrims to the holy cities. Pakistan sent over 115,000 pilgrims under both the government and private schemes. 'As of Saturday, June 14, a total of 11,418 pilgrims have returned home,' a spokesperson of Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony said in a statement. 'On Sunday, June 15, another 4,995 pilgrims will arrive in the country through 20 flights.' The spokesperson said six flights carrying Hajj pilgrims will each land in both Islamabad and Lahore, while four will arrive in Karachi, three in Multan and one in Quetta on Sunday. Of the 20 flights, eight will be operated by the state-run Pakistan International Airlines, five by Saudia, four by Airblue, two by AirSial and one by Serene Air. 'Despite global air traffic disruptions, Pakistan's post-Hajj flight operation is successfully going on,' the ministry said, referring to the recent diversion of flights due to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. The spokesperson advised Pakistani pilgrims to ensure their return journey remained a 'smooth' one by maintaining discipline. 'Pilgrims should ensure their baggage weight complies with the limit stated on their air tickets,' he said, advising pilgrims to reach their respective airports in Saudi Arabia six to eight hours before departure.
Business Recorder
12-06-2025
- Business Recorder
First Hajj flight reaches Lahore
LAHORE: The first Hajj flight, Airblue flight PA-473, reached Allama Iqbal International Airport on Wednesday, carrying 147 pilgrims from Jeddah. The flight marked the beginning of the post-Hajj return season. Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Minister Khawaja Imran Nazeer received the pilgrims at the airport and offered garlands and prayers for their safe return. Director Hajj Directorate Lahore Syed Muhammad Arif Hazoor, Deputy Director Mujeeb Shah, the airport manager, customs, airport security force officers and others were also present. While talking to the media, Imran Nazeer congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Ministry of Religious Affairs for making the best arrangements for pilgrims. On this occasion, the pilgrims expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the comprehensive arrangements made by the government for their holy journey. 'We are thankful to the government for the excellent arrangements,' said a pilgrim. Moreover, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)'s first Hajj flight, PK 936, arrived at the Lahore Airport at 2:45 pm, bringing back 328 pilgrims from Jeddah. PIA officials, including District Manager Agha Zaheeruddin, Station Manager Ashfaq Awan, Airport Manager, Chief Security Officer, and other staff, warmly welcomed the pilgrims upon their arrival. According to a PIA spokesperson, on the first day of the post-Hajj operation, four flights departed from Jeddah to various cities in Pakistan: two flights arrived in the federal capital Islamabad, one flight landed in Karachi, and one flight arrived in Lahore. In total, approximately 950 pilgrims were expected to return home on this first day. The PIA has made special arrangements to ensure the convenience of the pilgrims at the Jeddah Hajj Terminal. Chief Executive Officer Air Vice Marshal Aamir Hayat is personally overseeing the repatriation operation. The post-Hajj operation is set to continue from June 10 until July 10. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
