On April 1, 2025, a Serene Air flight bound for Jeddah from Lahore narrowly avoided disaster due to an engine malfunction that required an emergency landing.
The flight, identified as ER821, had already been delayed by eight hours before taking off from Allama Iqbal International Airport. Shortly after takeoff, the cockpit crew noticed severe vibrations from the engine. They quickly contacted Air Traffic Control (ATC) and received clearance to return to the airport.
Air traffic control acted quickly, allowing the pilot to return the aircraft to Lahore safely. Over 200 passengers disembarked and were moved to the waiting area while engineers began a technical investigation. Initial checks identified engine failure as the cause of the incident.
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The Serene Air team promptly arranged a replacement flight to ensure the stranded travellers could continue their journey.
The incident highlights the crew’s quick thinking and effective coordination with air traffic control (ATC). Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Serene Air is now focused on addressing the issue while ensuring passengers remain accommodated. This close call emphasizes the narrow margin for error in aviation and the expertise that helps maintain safety.
It was an Airbus A330-200 aircraft which is designed to safely fly with only one engine. An engine failure is a common emergency and pilots are regularly trained to handle it. Therefore, stating that the aircraft narrowly avoided disaster, is highly misleading and creating unnecessary sense of panic and sensation.