ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK212 from Dubai to Islamabad was grounded after several passengers allegedly created disorder onboard, leading to multiple arrests and a lengthy delay.
According to available information, the flight remained at Dubai International Airport for nearly three and a half hours on Friday despite being ready for departure. Authorities had introduced a 10-minute interval between departing flights because of regional security conditions, delaying the aircraft’s scheduled take-off.
The flight was originally due to arrive in Islamabad at 8:40pm. During the delay, the airline served meals to passengers before the situation reportedly escalated.
Passengers create disturbance onboard
Reports said several passengers allegedly attempted to enter the cockpit after the meal service. However, cabin crew intervened and prevented them from reaching the flight deck.
The situation worsened when one passenger allegedly broke an aircraft window, creating panic among those onboard. As a result, the captain requested assistance from Dubai security authorities.
Security personnel boarded the aircraft after its doors were opened and detained the passengers accused of causing the disturbance. According to reports, authorities arrested seven passengers following the incident.
Aircraft remains grounded after damage
The damaged aircraft could not continue its scheduled flight because of the broken window. Therefore, airline officials grounded the plane for safety inspections and repairs.
Meanwhile, the remaining passengers and crew were transferred to a hotel. The extended delay also caused the operating crew to exceed their legally permitted duty hours.
Under aviation regulations, the crew could not continue the flight and were accommodated at a hotel until the airline arranged a replacement crew to operate the service.
