Lahore( The COW News Digital)In a shocking aviation blunder, a domestic passenger traveling from Lahore to Karachi was mistakenly flown to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, despite not having a passport or visa. The incident has raised serious concerns about security protocols and airline operations at Pakistani airports.
Malik Shah Zain Ahmed, a Karachi resident, had been in Lahore for a month on business and was scheduled to return on July 7 via private airline Flight PF-144. He arrived at Allama Iqbal International Airport, received his boarding pass, and boarded a bus from Gate 13 along with other passengers.
According to Ahmed, two aircraft from the same airline were parked on the tarmac in close proximity. Due to the nighttime conditions and unclear instructions, he boarded the wrong plane — one bound for Jeddah, not Karachi.
Expecting a short 90-minute flight, Ahmed grew concerned when the journey extended beyond two hours. Upon questioning the cabin crew, they reviewed his boarding pass and were alarmed to find that he was on the wrong international flight. However, by that time, the plane had exited Pakistani airspace, and no correction could be made mid-flight.
Ahmed was subsequently landed in Jeddah, where he underwent questioning by Saudi immigration authorities. Realizing it was a mistake not of his own making, authorities coordinated with the airline to repatriate him.
On July 8, he was placed on Flight PF-717 back to Lahore. After additional inquiries by immigration and aviation officials, he was cleared and sent to Karachi the same day on Flight PF-146, finally reaching his intended destination two days later.
The incident has sparked public outrage, with many questioning how a domestic passenger without travel documents managed to board an international flight unchecked. Experts have flagged this as a “serious lapse in aviation and airport security.”
The Pakistan Airports Authority has taken notice. A spokesperson confirmed that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has been formally notified, and a letter has been issued to the airline’s station manager recommending a hefty fine for gross negligence.
This rare but grave mistake has intensified calls for stricter passenger verification and improved coordination between airport staff and airline operations.
