A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight from Karachi to Jeddah underwent an emergency evacuation after ground staff suspected a fire in one of the aircraft’s engines while it was parked at Jeddah Airport.
According to sources, the incident occurred after the aircraft landed at Jeddah Airport and was being parked at the stand. Following the reported fire in engine number two, the pilot initiated an emergency evacuation procedure.
Passengers were evacuated through the aircraft’s emergency exits using evacuation slides and were safely taken out of the plane. Sources said some passengers suffered minor injuries during the evacuation and were shifted to the Jeddah Airport clinic for medical examination and treatment.
Fire department officials at Jeddah Airport also reached the aircraft with firefighting vehicles after being alerted to the situation. PIA’s Jeddah officials informed airport authorities and the security department about the incident, while airport officials also questioned the PIA crew regarding what had happened.
However, a PIA spokesperson denied that an actual fire had occurred. The spokesperson said the aircraft made a normal landing at Jeddah Airport and was parked at the jetty when ground staff suspected a fire in one of its engines.
The pilot, following standard operating procedures (SOPs), opened the emergency evacuation slides to allow passengers to leave the aircraft. Some passengers exited through the jetty, while others used the emergency slides.
The PIA spokesperson said no passenger was injured during the evacuation and all passengers remained safe. A detailed inspection of the aircraft later found that the suspected fire was not confirmed.
The aircraft’s return flight from Jeddah to Lahore was delayed by around 20 to 22 hours following the incident. Around 40 passengers were shifted to a hotel, while the remaining passengers returned to their homes.
PIA Islamabad-Manchester flight makes emergency landing
Earlier today, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK-701 from Islamabad to Manchester declared an emergency around 30 minutes before landing in Manchester due to a medical emergency on board.
The pilots declared the emergency after a passenger became unwell during the flight and required urgent medical assistance.
At around 7:52 pm Pakistan time, the aircraft was flying over the North Sea when the pilots issued emergency squawk code 7700. The aircraft remained under the emergency code until it landed at Manchester Airport approximately 30 minutes later, allowing it to receive priority clearance for landing.
After the aircraft landed at Manchester Airport, emergency services and paramedics boarded the plane and immediately provided medical assistance to the affected passenger.
Meanwhile, the British Royal Air Force dismissed rumours circulating on social media that the PIA flight had been escorted by a fighter jet.
Despite attempts to contact the relevant authorities regarding the matter, no official comment was provided by the spokesperson.
