Cargo Flight Operations to Resume at
Sharjah Airport Today

Antonov 12, leased by Taron Aviation cargo company, skidded off the runway after its front tyre burst on landing at 10.45pm on Friday evening.

None of the six Russian crewmembers aboard was hurt but all flights were suspended for two hours.

While the majority of flights resumed, the plane continued to obstruct the runway, shortening the distance available for takeoff and landing and preventing all Boeing 747 flights, mainly cargo planes from operating, according to a Sharjah Airport police source.

“The Sharjah Police requested the assistance of Emirates Airline and on Sunday, Emirates, the police and Civil Defence were able to move the plane to a safe area,” he said.

Operations are expected to resume Tuesday.

Several cargo flights were affected, including those of Martinair, Lufthansa Cargo and Singapore Airlines Cargo.

Lufthansa Cargo spokesperson Neils Haupt, speaking from Frankfurt, said two of the carrier’s flights were delayed and diverted to Muscat and Al Ain, but a later flight was able to pick up the cargo.

A Martinair manager, based in Sharjah, said one of its flights was diverted to Abu Dhabi as a result of the runway obstruction.

Singapore Airlines Cargo had two flights diverted but an official said the impact was minimal as the goods could still be delivered.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

zoe@khaleejtimes.com