A Lahore to Jeddah flight carrying Umrah pilgrims has been delayed for three consecutive days after making two emergency landings at Karachi Jinnah International Airport, forcing stranded passengers to stage a protest.
According to aviation sources, flight PA 470, an Airbus A320 operated by a private airline, took off from Lahore for Jeddah but developed a technical fault midair. The pilot diverted the aircraft to Karachi, where it made an emergency landing. Passengers were moved to a hotel, while the jet was grounded and declared unfit for further travel.
Later that night, the airline arranged a replacement aircraft. However, shortly after takeoff from Karachi, the second plane struck a bird and was forced to return for another emergency landing. This aircraft was also grounded for safety checks, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.
Many affected travelers, including a large number of pilgrims in Ihram, have been stuck at Karachi Airport since then. According to reports, they began protesting inside the terminal, demanding that the airline provide an immediate alternative plane. Some passengers also expressed fear that their work permits would expire if they failed to reach Jeddah on time.
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Due to its small fleet, the airline has no substitute aircraft ready. Officials assured passengers that the flight would depart once another aircraft becomes available, but frustration continues to grow among those waiting.
