Technical glitch forces PIA flight to land in different destination in Pakistan, passengers protest over long delay
by Aditi VermaA Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight bound for Peshawar from Dubai made an unplanned landing in Karachi due to mechanical issues, leading to passenger frustration and protests.
The incident took place at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi and the video went viral on September 16.
Visuals showed inside the plane, tension filled the air as frustrated passengers argued with the pilot and crew. The flight, which had mistakenly landed at the wrong destination, was severely delayed, sparking outrage among the passengers. Many stood in the narrow aisles, their voices raised in frustration as they questioned the pilot and staff about the mistake. The crew, visibly stressed, tried to calm the situation, but the heated exchanges only intensified. People gestured angrily, while others sat in their seats, shaking their heads in disbelief. The atmosphere in the cabin was tense and chaotic, with a palpable sense of agitation among the travelers.
According to reports a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK-284, traveling from Dubai to Peshawar, was forced to make a technical landing in Karachi due to mechanical issues, causing significant delays for passengers. The situation went viral on social media after a video surfaced, leading to claims that the pilot mistakenly landed the flight in Karachi. However, journalist Tariq Abulhasan clarified the events behind the video.
According to Abulhasan, the aircraft suffered a collision with a pushback truck in Dubai, leading to the need for replacement parts. PIA arranged for these parts to be delivered from Dubai via a private airline. However, the repair process extended the pilot’s duty limit to 16 hours, well beyond the standard 12 hours, which required a crew change in Karachi.
Frustration among passengers grew after they were confined inside the plane for several hours without being moved to the airport lounge. This led to a heated protest, which was captured in the viral video. Eventually, a replacement flight transported passengers to Peshawar.
The incident has brought to light deeper issues within PIA’s management, with reports from officials alleging that the airline is struggling with spare parts shortages. Despite increasing revenues, management has been accused of neglecting to purchase critical aircraft components, leaving many planes grounded. Out of PIA’s 40 aircraft, only 17 are currently operational.
A significant part of the blame is directed at the head of PIA’s Engineering Department, who is accused of halting maintenance efforts by shutting down workshops and delaying spare parts procurement. Once regarded as a leading engineering hub in the region, PIA’s maintenance capabilities have significantly deteriorated.
The airline is also dealing with ongoing privatization efforts, which many believe are exacerbating the internal issues. The failure to secure proper maintenance resources has led to growing safety and operational concerns within PIA.