A domestic passenger who was meant to travel from Lahore to Karachi ended up in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in what officials are calling a major case of airline negligence. The traveller reportedly had no passport or visa but still boarded an international flight at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport.
According to reports, the passenger mistakenly boarded the wrong aircraft at the airport. He claimed he had shown his ticket to a flight attendant, but there were two planes at the gate. Without properly checking his documents, airline staff allegedly directed him to the international flight bound for Jeddah.
The mistake came to light nearly two hours after takeoff when the confused passenger asked about the delay. The crew was left shocked upon discovering the error.
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Airport authorities have called it a serious security lapse. The airport manager described the incident as gross negligence by the private airline involved and has urged the Pakistan Airports Authority to take strict disciplinary action.
Saudi officials held a brief investigation and immediately sent the passenger back to Pakistan.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has also taken notice. Letters have been issued to the concerned airline’s station manager, recommending penalties for the failure to follow boarding protocols.