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By Tanveer Ahmed :
A search and rescue operation is underway after a K2 Airways Boeing 737 cargo aircraft went missing near the Karachi coast while operating a flight from Sharjah to Karachi, Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) confirmed.
The aircraft was carrying five crew members when it lost contact with air traffic controllers late Tuesday night.
Aircraft Lost Contact After Navigation Issue
According to the PAA, the K2 Airways cargo flight reported a navigation system problem while approaching Pakistani airspace.
The aircraft was travelling from Sharjah to Karachi and reported the issue at around 9:18pm Pakistan Standard Time (PST). The Karachi Area Control Centre provided guidance to the aircraft after receiving the alert.
However, at approximately 9:21pm PST, radar data showed the aircraft entering a rapid descent along with a sudden change in heading.
The PAA said radar contact and communication with the aircraft were subsequently lost around 155 nautical miles west of Karachi.
Multi-Agency Rescue Operation Launched
Following the loss of contact, the PAA activated its Rescue Coordination Centre and launched a coordinated search operation involving multiple agencies.
Officials said maritime and aviation resources were deployed to locate the aircraft and assist in the rescue effort.
Sources said the Pakistan Navy’s PNS Zulfiqar was sent towards the suspected area, while aircraft from the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy also joined the search operation.
A Pakistan Air Force SAAB aircraft and a Pakistan Navy ATR aircraft were reportedly deployed for aerial surveillance.
The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation’s commercial vessel Lahore was also sent to support the search mission.
Flight Tracking Data Indicates Possible Crash
Flight-tracking service Flightradar24 said preliminary ADS-B data indicated a possible crash.
The aircraft was identified as AP-BOI, a Boeing 737-4M0(BDSF) operated by K2 Airways.
Earlier tracking information showed the aircraft experienced a rapid altitude loss before disappearing from radar systems.
However, authorities have not yet confirmed the final status of the aircraft, and the cause of the incident remains unknown.
Aircraft History
According to Flightradar24, the aircraft entered service with K2 Airways in 2024.
The Boeing 737 originally operated as a passenger aircraft and began its aviation service with Aeroflot in 1999, later flying for Garuda Indonesia in 2004.
In 2012, the aircraft was converted from a passenger aircraft into a cargo freighter and later operated by cargo airlines including TNT Airways and ASL Airlines.
Investigation to Determine Cause
Officials said the cause of the incident would be determined after a detailed investigation.
Search teams are continuing operations to locate the aircraft and gather further information. Authorities are expected to provide additional updates as more details become available.
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