Saudi Airlines flight 792 arriving from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia experienced a landing gear fire upon landing at Peshawar’s Bacha Khan International Airport in Pakistan on Thursday. According to a statement from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), the air traffic controller spotted smoke and sparks emanating from the left landing gear and promptly alerted the pilot.

The air traffic controller immediately activated the airport’s emergency response plan, deploying fire and rescue services to the scene. Firefighters arrived swiftly and extinguished the flames, preventing a more serious incident. All 276 passengers and 21 crew members safely disembarked the aircraft using emergency slides.

Saudi Airlines confirmed the safe evacuation and announced a technical evaluation of the aircraft by specialists. This evaluation will include repairs, comprehensive inspections, and subsequent tests to guarantee the aircraft’s safe return to service.

Saudi Airlines flight 792 incident comes amidst ongoing international scrutiny of Pakistan’s aviation safety standards. However, the PCAA highlighted recent improvements, including a positive assessment by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) last year. The PCAA’s pursuit of certification from various countries, including the recent UAE approval for Islamabad and Karachi airports, further underscores their commitment to meeting international safety benchmarks.