PAA launches probe after complaint of boarding extra passengers in Airblue flight
Authorities have launched an
investigation after a private Pakistani airline, Airblue, allegedly allowed two extra
passengers to board a flight from Karachi to Islamabad, resulting in confusion
and a delay affecting more than 170 travelers.
According to reports, the incident
occurred aboard Flight PA-206, which was preparing for departure from Jinnah International Airport. Despite
all seats being fully booked, the airline’s management reportedly permitted two
additional passengers to board the aircraft.
As the plane began taxiing for
takeoff, the captain noticed the discrepancy and immediately raised an
objection. The crew was then instructed to return the aircraft to the parking
bay, where the two unauthorized passengers—later identified as Airblue
employees—were offloaded.
Read More Pakistan
Airports Authority launches probe into paper leak scandal
Following the removal of the extra passengers, the captain confirmed that the flight would continue its journey. However, the incident caused a 90-minute delay, inconveniencing all passengers on board.
Airport authorities have since
confirmed the occurrence, while the Pakistan
Airports Authority (PAA) has initiated a formal probe to determine how the
overboarding took place and to identify those responsible for the procedural
lapse.
Officials have stated that strict
action will be taken if any breach of aviation safety or passenger handling
protocols is confirmed.
Source: Pakistan Observer