A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight from Lahore to Karachi narrowly avoided a major accident, with more than 200 passengers remaining safe.
According to details, shortly after take-off, a bird struck the aircraft’s engine.
Sources said Pakistan International Airlines flight PK-305 had just departed from Lahore for Karachi when the bird hit the engine.
After the impact, the pilot immediately informed the control tower and turned the aircraft back towards Lahore Airport. Demonstrating skill, the pilot safely landed the plane.
Fortunately, all 200-plus passengers on board remained unharmed.
Airport sources said engineers are inspecting the engine to assess damage caused by the bird strike.
The airline administration is arranging an alternative aircraft to transport passengers to Karachi so they can reach their destination without further delay.
Meanwhile Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operations are at risk after the jet fuel price hike, according to Arif Habib, chairman of the Arif Habib Group.
Habib, the new owner of PIA, has said that the surge in fuel costs has put PIA at a significant disadvantage compared with international competitors.
“It won’t be viable to run the airline with current jet fuel prices,” Habib said, noting that domestic fuel prices have risen disproportionately compared with global trends.
