A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight traveling from Jeddah to Lahore made an emergency landing at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, the airline confirmed.
Flight PK860, operated by a Boeing 777, diverted while still in Saudi airspace due to a technical issue. The aircraft had 437 passengers on board, excluding crew members, and was originally scheduled to land in Lahore at 8:00 pm.
During the flight, the crew activated the 7700 transponder code, an internationally recognized signal for a general emergency. This ensured the aircraft received priority handling from air traffic control for a safe landing.
The plane landed safely in Dammam, and PIA engineering teams are currently conducting technical inspections. The airline has not disclosed the exact nature of the fault or the expected timeline for the flight’s onward journey to Lahore.
This incident comes amid ongoing scrutiny of PIA’s technical operations. The airline has previously faced flight disruptions linked to technical faults and disputes involving aircraft engineers over safety standards, spare parts availability, and working conditions.
Passengers on Flight PK860 have been advised to wait for further updates from PIA regarding rescheduling and travel arrangements. The airline emphasized that passenger safety remains its top priority.
Aviation experts say the incident highlights the importance of strict safety protocols in commercial aviation. PIA’s prompt response demonstrates the airline’s commitment to handling in-flight technical emergencies effectively.
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Authorities continue to monitor the situation, and further reports are expected once PIA completes its inspections and confirms the aircraft’s readiness for the next leg of its journey.
