A Saudi Airlines flight from Riyadh experienced a fire incident in its landing gear upon touching down at Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar on Thursday. Prompt action by the airport authorities, however, averted a major accident.

Air traffic controllers noticed smoke and sparks emanating from the left-side landing gear as the aircraft landed, according to a statement by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). They immediately alerted the pilots and informed the airport’s fire and rescue services.

“The fire tenders acted in time and immediately controlled the fire in the landing gear, saving the aircraft from a major accident,” said CAA spokesperson Saifullah. He added that all 276 passengers and 21 crew members were safely evacuated using inflatable slides.

Video footage showed passengers disembarking the aircraft through the emergency slides.

Peshawar airport officials confirmed that the airport remains operational, and all flights will continue as per their scheduled times.