Pakistan missing plane: What happened after the K2 Airways cargo plane vanished from radar over Arabian Sea? Here’s everything we know so far

A major search and rescue operation is underway after a Pakistan-based K2 Airways cargo aircraft carrying five crew members disappeared from radar over the Arabian Sea on Tuesday night while flying from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates to Karachi. The Boeing 737-400 reportedly lost contact with air traffic control just minutes after the crew informed authorities about a navigational system issue. Pakistan’s Navy, Air Force and several civilian agencies have been deployed to locate the missing aircraft as officials continue to investigate what happened during its final moments.

What happened before the aircraft disappeared?

According to the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), the cargo aircraft reported a navigational system problem at around 9:18 pm local time while approaching Karachi. Air traffic controllers at the Karachi Area Control Centre immediately provided navigational assistance to the crew.

However, just three minutes later, radar showed the aircraft making a rapid heading change before suddenly losing altitude. Communication with the aircraft was lost approximately 155 nautical miles (about 287 kilometres) west of Karachi over the Arabian Sea. The aircraft was operating a routine cargo flight from Sharjah to Karachi, a journey that normally takes less than two hours.

Authorities have not confirmed the exact cause of the incident, and no official information has been released regarding the condition of the aircraft or the five crew members on board.

What happened after final radar contact?

Soon after the aircraft disappeared from radar, the Pakistan Airports Authority activated its Rescue Coordination Centre and launched a large-scale search and rescue operation in the Arabian Sea. The Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force and several civilian agencies were deployed to locate the missing Boeing 737-400. Naval vessels, surveillance aircraft and commercial ships were sent to the search area as authorities continued scanning the sea for any sign of the aircraft or its five crew members. Officials said the operation remains ongoing, while investigators are examining all available flight data and communications to determine what led to the disappearance.

Massive search and rescue operation launched

Following the disappearance, the Pakistan Airports Authority activated its Rescue Coordination Centre and began a large-scale search operation across the Arabian Sea.

Several military and civilian resources have been deployed, including naval warships, surveillance aircraft and commercial vessels. Reports indicate that the Pakistan Navy sent PNS Zulfiqar and PNS Hunain to the search area, while Pakistan Air Force surveillance aircraft and Navy ATR aircraft have also joined the operation.

Commercial ships operated by the National Shipping Corporation are assisting rescue teams as authorities continue scanning the sea for any signs of the missing aircraft. Officials say the operation will continue until the aircraft or its crew are located.

Flight tracking data raises fresh questions

Preliminary flight tracking information suggests the aircraft experienced unusual altitude changes shortly before disappearing from radar.

According to available flight data, the Boeing 737-400 first lost altitude, briefly climbed again, and then suffered a second sharp and dramatic descent before contact was completely lost. Aviation experts say investigators will closely examine flight data, maintenance records and communication logs to determine whether a technical failure, weather conditions or another factor caused the incident.

Officials have stressed that it is too early to draw any conclusions while the investigation remains in its initial stage.

About the aircraft and why the incident is significant

The missing aircraft is a 27-year-old Boeing 737-400 freighter operated by K2 Airways, a private cargo airline based in Karachi. The aircraft joined the airline in 2024 under a lease agreement and had previously served several international operators as both a passenger and cargo aircraft.

The disappearance has once again placed Pakistan’s aviation safety standards under scrutiny. The country’s aviation sector has witnessed several serious accidents over the years, including the deadly Pakistan International Airlines crash in 2020.

As search efforts continue across the Arabian Sea, authorities are working to determine the fate of the aircraft and its five crew members. Officials say updates will be shared as more information becomes available from the ongoing rescue mission and investigation.