On 14 March 2022, Saudia Arabian Airlines flight SVA722, Boeing 777-368(ER), was operating from Jeddah to Islamabad when it experienced a TCAS-RA south-west of Islamabad, while descending under the control of Cherat Approach South. The occurrence took place during a period of scheduled military fly-past activity, with multiple military aircraft recovering in formation through the same airspace. During the descent, SVA722 was cleared to descend through altitudes used by the recovering military formation. A reduction in both lateral and vertical separation occurred when a formation of four military aircraft crossed ahead of SVA722 while climbing, resulting in the activation of a Short-Term Conflict Alert (STCA) and a subsequent TCAS-RA (Traffic Collision Avoidance System – Resolution Advisory) onboard the civil aircraft. The flight crew responded correctly to the RA by discontinuing the descent and initiating a climb, which restored separation. The occurrence highlights challenges associated with civil–military air traffic service under interim arrangements during high-demand operations. TCAS functioned as the final safety barrier, preventing further loss of separation.
