What happened
During a flight originating from Karachi, an aircraft was performing its approach to Abu Dhabi-Al Bateen Airport under favorable weather conditions. As the plane was on short final approach, a sudden explosion occurred, causing the aircraft to crash before reaching the runway. The impact and subsequent intense fire completely destroyed the airframe.
There were 112 fatalities among the passengers and crew, with no survivors reported from the wreckage.
Findings
Official investigations suggested that the destruction was caused by a bomb detonation within the cargo hold. However, an air traffic controller stationed at Al Bateen Airport provided an alternative account, stating that the aircraft may have been struck by a surface-to-air missile during military exercises being conducted by UAE forces near the airport.