A search and rescue operation is underway after a K2 Airways Boeing 737 cargo aircraft disappeared while approaching Karachi on Tuesday evening, with five crew members believed to be on board. Pakistani aviation authorities have not yet confirmed the fate of the aircraft.
Authorities launched the search after K2 Airways Cargo flight KTA1732 failed to arrive as scheduled at Jinnah International Airport (KHI). The aircraft had departed Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) in the United Arab Emirates and was operating a scheduled cargo service to Karachi when contact was lost.
According to the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), the crew reported a navigation system malfunction at approximately 21:18 Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while approaching Karachi. Air traffic controllers at the Karachi Area Control Centre immediately began assisting the crew.
Preliminary ADS-B flight tracking data indicate the aircraft first experienced a loss of altitude, followed by a climb, before entering a second, rapid descent. The final received position was recorded at 16:21 UTC, showing the aircraft at approximately 1,100 feet above mean sea level (AMSL) with a reported vertical rate of -22,400 feet per minute. While ADS-B data can provide valuable insight into an aircraft’s final moments, it should be considered preliminary and does not establish the cause of the occurrence.
Radar and radio contact were subsequently lost approximately 155 nautical miles (287 km) west of Karachi, over the Arabian Sea. The PAA activated its Rescue Coordination Centre, launching a coordinated search involving aviation and maritime assets.
Aircraft history
The aircraft involved is reported to be AP-BOI, a Boeing 737-4M0(BDSF) freighter operated by K2 Airways. The aircraft entered service with the Pakistani cargo airline in 2024.
Originally built as a passenger aircraft, AP-BOI was delivered to Aeroflot in 1999 before later joining Garuda Indonesia in 2004. In 2012, it was converted into a Boeing Converted Freighter (BDSF) and subsequently operated by TNT Airways and later ASL Airlines before joining K2 Airways.
Investigation to follow
At this stage, the cause of the disappearance remains unknown. Although the flight crew reported navigation-related problems shortly before contact was lost, investigators have cautioned that it is too early to determine whether the reported malfunction played any role in the accident.
If the aircraft is located, Pakistan’s aviation authorities are expected to open a formal investigation in accordance with international aviation protocols. The investigation will likely involve the recovery and analysis of the aircraft’s flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR), if found.
This remains a developing story. Aviation24 will continue to provide updates as official information becomes available.
This post was published on 7 July 2026 22:31
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