Passenger 'Mistakenly' Flown To Saudi Instead Of Karachi; Pakistani Airline Faces Backlash

Last Updated:July 13, 2025, 13:00 IST

The passenger, Shahzain, initiated legal action against the airline, accusing it of gross negligence, according to a report

The passenger raised a complaint against the airline | Image: Representative

A passenger travelling from Lahore to Karachi was mistakenly flown to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, instead of his intended domestic destination, in a major goof-up by a Pakistani airline.

The passenger, Shahzain, has now initiated legal action against the airline, accusing it of gross negligence, according to a report by ARY News.

Shahzain said he boarded the wrong flight despite showing his valid ticket to airline staff, including the air hostess. “Two planes were parked at the same domestic terminal gate, and I had no idea I had boarded the wrong one," he told the local media.

The error only became apparent mid-air when Shahzain realised something was amiss.

“Two hours into the flight, I questioned why the plane had not yet reached Karachi. This caused panic among the crew, who then blamed me for the mistake," he said.

“I was told that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) would conduct an inquiry, to which I assured to cooperate."

He also claimed that he neither held a passport nor a visa for international travel, raising further questions about the airline’s boarding procedures.

Upon landing in Jeddah, Shahzain said he requested to be sent back to Karachi immediately, but was informed it could take up to two or three days.

He has since served a legal notice to the carrier, demanding reimbursement for the additional travel costs and compensation for the emotional distress caused.

The Pakistan Airport Authority has taken cognisance of the incident, with the officials at Lahore Airport saying that the passenger’s unexpected arrival in Jeddah was the result of the airline’s “negligence and carelessness."

A formal request for action has been submitted to the relevant authorities.

Airport management has also confirmed that an internal investigation is underway to identify procedural lapses and ensure accountability.

Location :

Pakistan

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News world Passenger 'Mistakenly' Flown To Saudi Instead Of Karachi; Pakistani Airline Faces Backlash