A passenger has filed a legal notice against a private airline after an unexpected international detour landed him in Jeddah rather than Karachi, allegedly due to the airline’s negligence.
The incident took place on July 7, when Shahzain boarded what was supposed to be a domestic flight from Lahore to Karachi. Instead, he found himself in Saudi Arabia, without any valid travel documents for international entry. Upon arrival, he was subjected to questioning by Saudi immigration officials, causing stress and embarrassment.
Shahzain argues that this serious oversight by the airline led not only to mental distress but also forced him to bear unexpected expenses to return home. In response, he has formally demanded that the airline reimburse the extra costs he incurred because of the mishap.
To pursue accountability, Shahzain has served a legal notice to the airline’s management under the Sindh Consumer Protection Act 2014. The notice seeks both an official explanation and financial compensation for the inconvenience and hardship caused.
The unusual mix-up highlights broader concerns about operational controls and passenger safety within domestic carriers. Legal experts note that if the airline is found responsible for breaching its duty of care, it could be compelled to compensate the passenger under consumer protection laws.
Shahzain’s case may also encourage other travelers to challenge service failures by airlines, especially where negligence results in substantial personal and financial impact. The matter is expected to proceed through the relevant consumer tribunal if the airline does not settle.
