AirSial is under criticism after over 60 passengers were left stranded at New Islamabad International Airport when flight PF-7730 to Madina departed without them, sparking confusion over Umrah travel eligibility.
The passengers, many from remote areas and including children and elderly individuals, were denied boarding at the last minute. AirSial stated the flight was exclusively for Umrah pilgrims, excluding those holding work or family visit visas for Saudi Arabia. However, many travelers claimed they were unaware of these restrictions and accused the airline of providing misleading information during booking.
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Angry scenes unfolded at the airport, with passengers protesting and demanding answers. Social media footage showed distressed families seeking help or rushing to buy costly last-minute tickets with other airlines. The incident prompted public outrage, with calls for the Civil Aviation Authority to investigate and for clearer travel policies to avoid future mishandling.