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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 on Thursday morning after the plane’s windshield cracked in the air.
The pilot decided to divert the flight to Jinnah International Terminal after the incident. While the cause of the cracked windshield remained uncertain, PIA management attributed it to a bird strike, a claim later rejected by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA).
Meanwhile, the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SEAP) blamed the incident on the airline’s negligence in timely replacement of aircraft components.
According to sources, PIA flight PK-859 from Lahore to Jeddah encountered unusual circumstances mid-flight, prompting the captain to divert and safely land the aircraft in Karachi.
The unexpected situation created panic among the passengers. The pilot contacted Karachi Air Traffic Control and sought permission for an emergency landing.
PIA officials said the first officer’s side windshield cracked due to an alleged bird strike, leading to the diversion. The airline added that the windscreen would be replaced and passengers would be flown to Jeddah on the same or an alternative flight.
