LAHORE – At least seven passengers of Pakistan International Airlines PK-743 flight were reportedly forced to travel to Madina on January 20 while standing up owing to excess number of passengers onboard.
PK-743 departed for Madina of Saudi Arabia from Allama Iqbal International Airport on January 20 and not less than seven people travelled all the way, over four-hour flight, standing in the aisle which was a serious security breach.
A Boeing-777 that could accomodate 409 persons had bookings of 416 persons as administration sold tickets more than the accomodation including the jump seats.
Civil Aviation Authority has not taken any action so far whereas the practice is a breach of security which could prove fatal during turbulence.
Daniyal Gilani, spokesperson of the national airline has said that the administration is probing the incident and those responsible would be brought to justice.
Capt Anwer Adil, who operated that flight, added that the apparent reason for going ahead with the journey was to save fuel cost.
Reportedly, senior purser, pilot and traffic staff are trying to shift blame onto one and another.
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