Negligence or mistake: Pakistani domestic passenger ends up in Saudi Arabia without visa, passport
In a startling case of airline
negligence, a domestic passenger scheduled to fly from Lahore to Karachi
inadvertently ended up in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia — despite not possessing a
passport or visa.
According to reports, the incident
occurred at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, where the passenger
mistakenly boarded an international flight to Jeddah. He claimed he showed his
ticket to the cabin crew, but due to the presence of two aircraft at the same
gate, airline staff mistakenly directed him to the wrong plane without
verifying his travel documents.
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The error went unnoticed until approximately two hours into the flight, when the passenger questioned the delay in arrival. The crew was reportedly stunned upon realizing the mistake.
Airport authorities have described
the incident as a major breach of security and procedural protocol. The airport
manager has labeled it “gross negligence” by the private airline and has urged
the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) to take strict disciplinary action.
Upon landing in Saudi Arabia, local
authorities conducted a preliminary investigation and swiftly repatriated the
passenger to Pakistan.
The PAA has since launched its own
inquiry into the matter. A spokesperson confirmed that formal notices have been
issued to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the airline’s station manager,
demanding accountability.
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The notices recommend severe penalties against the airline for failing to follow basic passenger verification procedures.
Officials say the case is under
close review and further action is under consideration.