On 22 Dec 2004, PIA flight 309, an Airbus 310, Reg. # AP-BGR was operating a scheduled flight from Islamabad to Karachi at an altitude of 36, 000 feet (Flight Level 360). En-route to Karachi, it crossed an Airbus 320 belonging to Air Blue, Reg. # AP BGW, which was on a reciprocal track maintaining Flight Level 370 (37, 000 feet). While crossing, the two aircraft received Traffic Collision Avoidance System Resolution Advisories (TCAS RA). The advisory for Air Blue was "CLIMB---CLIMB" and for PIA was "DESCEND DESCEND" The Air Blue claimed to have seen PK 309, therefore, did not act on RA The PK- 309 response to RA was impulsive which resulted in aircraft going into porpoise which resulted in injuries and panic in the passenger cabin. After 30 minutes, the Captain of PK-309 asked for ambulances and doctors to be available on landing. As a number of VIPs such as federal minister for information, chairman senate and an ex Chief Justice of Pakistan were on board the PIA aircraft; there were media reporters at Karachi airport who resorted to sensational reporting in the national press. The incident was also reported by international media and Airbus Industries offered its assistance for investigation.
