Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the national flag carrier, is under fire after leaving the luggage of over 60 passengers at Jeddah airport during a Karachi-bound flight, as reported by ARY Digital. The incident, which occurred on flight PK 832, has sparked outrage among passengers and renewed scrutiny of the airline’s operational challenges.
Passengers Arrive Empty-Handed
The passengers, many of whom were Umrah pilgrims, arrived at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport only to discover their luggage was missing. Airline staff informed them upon arrival that approximately 81 pieces of luggage had been left behind in Jeddah due to limited space on the aircraft. This explanation did little to soothe their frustration, compounded by a two-hour delay in the flight’s departure.
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Several passengers expressed their indignation, calling on Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and the Federal Minister of Interior to take immediate action against the airline’s negligence. For many, the inconvenience disrupted personal plans and caused unnecessary stress.
PIA Responds to Complaints
In response to the backlash, a PIA spokesperson clarified that the decision to leave luggage behind was due to limited cargo capacity. The airline assured passengers that the left-behind luggage would be sent to Karachi on the next available flight from Jeddah. However, this assurance did little to placate affected passengers, who criticized the airline’s repeated failures in handling baggage efficiently.
Recurring Problem for PIA
This is not the first time PIA has faced criticism for leaving passengers’ luggage behind. In 2020, a similar incident occurred when flight PK-182 from Sharjah to Islamabad arrived without the luggage of over 50 passengers. On that occasion, the airline promised to transport the missing luggage on a subsequent flight but was widely criticized for its unprofessional handling of the matter. The repeated nature of such incidents raises concerns about PIA’s logistical and operational efficiency.
Privatization Hangs in the Balance
The incident comes at a crucial time for PIA, as the government moves forward with privatization plans. An overseas Pakistani group, Al Nahang, has proposed acquiring the airline for Rs. 125 billion, including a commitment to clear its Rs. 250 billion debt. The group has also pledged not to lay off employees and to implement reforms such as fleet modernization and salary increments.
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While PIA’s struggles are well-documented, the issue of luggage mismanagement isn’t unique to the airline. Regional and global carriers have faced similar problems, particularly during high-demand periods. However, PIA’s recurring mishaps, coupled with its financial and managerial crises, make these incidents particularly damaging.