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KARACHI:
A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight from Lahore to Jeddah was forced to make an emergency landing at Karachi airport early Thursday morning after the plane’s windshield cracked mid-flight.
The pilot decided to divert the flight to Jinnah International Terminal following the incident. Although the cause of the cracked windshield remains unclear, PIA management attributed it to a bird strike, a claim later denied by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA).
Meanwhile, the Society of Aeronautical Engineers of Pakistan (SEAP) blamed the incident on the airline’s negligence in timely replacement of the aircraft’s components.
According to sources, PIA flight PK-859 from Lahore to Jeddah encountered unusual circumstances mid-flight, which prompted the captain to divert and land the aircraft safely in Karachi.
This unexpected situation caused panic among the passengers. The pilot contacted Karachi air traffic control and requested permission for an emergency landing.
PIA officials said the co-pilot’s side windshield cracked due to an alleged bird strike, which is believed to have led to the hijacking. The airline added that the windshield would be replaced and passengers would be transported to Jeddah on the same or another plane.
