Karachi, July 8, 2026: A Boeing 737 cargo aircraft operated by K2 Airways disappeared from radar while flying from Sharjah to Karachi, prompting authorities to launch a large-scale search and rescue operation in the Arabian Sea.
According to a spokesperson for the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), the aircraft developed a navigation system malfunction during the flight. Karachi Area Control Centre (ACC) immediately provided guidance to the crew, but minutes later the aircraft began a rapid descent and unexpectedly changed course before disappearing from radar about 155 nautical miles west of Karachi. Communication with the aircraft was lost simultaneously.
The PAA said the Rescue Coordination Centre was activated immediately after contact was lost, and a search and rescue operation was launched. The cargo plane was carrying five crew members.
Multiple agencies have joined the operation. According to sources, the Pakistan Navy has dispatched the warship PNS Zulfiqar to the search area, while the Pakistan Air Force has deployed a Saab aircraft from Bholari Air Base.
A Pakistan Navy ATR aircraft has also taken off from Turbat to assist in the search, and a Pakistan National Shipping Corporation vessel has been assigned to support the operation.