A pilot of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Sunday refused to fly the plane in mid-journey as his duty ended. His decision ignited a protest by the passengers who refused to get off the plane.
The plane, PK-9754, flying from Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh to Islamabad had to land at Saudi Arabia’s Dammam Airport on a halt due to bad weather. After the weather condition got better, the pilot of the flight refused to get on his job saying that his duty timings had ended.
The passengers, getting irritated by the unexpected turn of events, refused to get off the plane in protest. However, the airport security was then called and they brought the situation under control.
Reportedly, the PIA spokesperson has said that it is necessary for the pilots to take proper rest before flying. This is to ensure flight safety. Therefore, arrangements were made in this regard.
The spokesperson also assured the passengers safe return to Islamabad by 11pm that night.
Ms Kalinga