Pakistani passenger files legal notice after being mistakenly sent abroad on wrong flight from Lahore; airline accused of gross negligence
Karachi [Pakistan], July 13:
In a bizarre aviation mishap, a Pakistani passenger, Shahzain, has sent a legal notice to a private airline after he was mistakenly flown to Jeddah instead of Karachi—despite having no passport or visa for international travel, as reported by ARY News.
Shahzain, who boarded the flight from Lahore, claimed he had shown his ticket to the airline crew, including the air hostess, yet was not informed that he had boarded the wrong plane. He only realized the error two hours into the flight, when he questioned why the aircraft had not yet landed in Karachi. The flight crew reportedly panicked, and then blamed the passenger for the blunder.
“There were two planes parked at the domestic terminal gate, and I was directed to the wrong one. I was not aware of the mistake until it was too late,” Shahzain stated. The incident caused significant distress for him in Saudi Arabia, where he was not legally permitted to enter due to lack of valid travel documents.
In his legal notice, Shahzain is demanding compensation from the airline for the mental anguish and additional travel expenses he incurred due to the mistake. He has asked the airline to respond formally and resolve the matter.
According to the report, when Shahzain asked to be sent to Karachi, he was told it would take two to three days. He was also informed that the matter had been referred to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and an inquiry would be conducted, to which he agreed to fully cooperate.
The Pakistan Airport Authority has taken serious notice of the incident. Lahore Airport Management has held the private airline responsible, terming the incident a result of “negligence and carelessness.” A formal request for action against the airline has been submitted to the relevant authorities.
This incident raises grave concerns about passenger verification protocols, security at domestic terminals, and the accountability mechanisms of private airlines operating in Pakistan.