KARACHI: Chief Executive Officer PIA Air Marshal Arshad Malik on Saturday lauded professionalism of the pilot for successfully avoiding a serious accident in Gilgit.

However, the CEO has ordered an investigation into the mishap which could have resulted in a big tragedy.

An ATR plane of PIA, flight PK-605 from Islamabad to Gilgit, skidded off the runway while landing at Gilgit airport at 8:00 am. Luckily, all 48 passengers and crew are safe. The flight to Gilgit requires precision and proficiency because of the harsh weather conditions.

According to reports, the plane’s altitude was more than the prescribed at the time of landing, therefore, the plane touched down farther than the designated area.

The passengers were safely offloaded the aircraft.