Delayed PIA flight PK-750 Paris to Lahore causes passengers, infant to suffocate

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PARIS: A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK-750 due to fly from Paris to Lahore was delayed for over two hours on August 3 while the passengers were locked inside the aeroplane without air conditioning.

On Wednesday, a video showing a crying mother pleading the airline’s staff to open the door as her one-month-old infant was suffocating went viral on social media.

“For God’s sake, tell the man to open the door,” the woman urged the plane staff. However, the staff refused to open the door stating that it was not their responsibility.

“The airport staff is responsible for this problem. They are the handling agents. Until a new flight plan is designed, the plane cannot take off,” replied a security staff personnel.

Soon after the video resurfaced, PIA Spokesman Mashood Tajwar issued a statement saying that an investigation has been launched into the matter.

The flight which was scheduled to depart from Paris at 9 pm on Aug 3  was delayed for 2 hours and 39 minutes. However, in the statement released by the airline, it is claimed that the flight was delayed only for 30 minutes.

“The PIA President and CEO Musharraf Rasool Cyan has taken immediate and serious notice and has asked for a detailed inquiry into the matter. The delay was for 30 mins as doors were closed, aircraft was ready for pushback, however, Air Traffic Controller (ATC) clearance was not received and the aircraft could not start it’s engine as it was still parked at the jetty. Details of the incidence and explanations are being given to the captain in command, ground handler and PIA’s chief operating officer (COO). Zero tolerance policy has been adopted in PIA and there shall be no compromise on customer convenience and comfort,” said the statement released on the airline’s social media page.