Factual Information
On 1 December 2021, Kuwait Airways Flight KAC920, a Boeing 777-369ER with registration 9K-AOE, was conducting a scheduled passenger flight from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, China, to Kuwait International Airport. The aircraft was cruising at Flight Level 340 on Air Traffic Services route G452.
History of the Flight
Two F-16 military aircraft from PAF Base Shahbaz, Jacobabad, were operating east of Rahim Yar Khan (RK) at coordinated levels, initially between FL240 and FL200, later between FL260 and FL200. One military aircraft, squawking A4372, was observed 3 nautical miles north of RK at FL245 in a climbing phase before disappearing from radar. When queried, Sector Operational Command South stated they could not disclose the aircraft's flight level due to the nature of the exercise.
Shortly thereafter, the same military aircraft reappeared on radar 18 nautical miles east of RK and 20 nautical miles reciprocal to KAC920, climbing out of FL262 with a high rate of climb of approximately 6,000 feet per minute.
At 0651 UTC, when KAC920 was approximately 45 nautical miles east of RK, the flight crew reported a Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) Resolution Advisory (RA). KAC920 initiated a climb from FL340 to FL348. The military aircraft crossed KAC920 at its 9 o'clock position, approximately 2 nautical miles away, at FL334. KAC920 was subsequently given vectors while traffic information was provided.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries to persons on board any aircraft were reported. No damage to any aircraft occurred as a result of the incident.
Meteorological and Communication Information
The Meteorological Watch Office for Lahore Flight Information Region reported no significant weather at the time of the incident. Communication frequencies were operating normally, with no abnormalities noted.
Aircraft Information
The involved Kuwait Airways aircraft was a Boeing 777-369ER, manufactured in 2016, with serial number 62563.