A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight, PK 839, carrying Hajj pilgrims encountered technical issues, prompting an emergency landing in Riyadh. The flight, originally destined for Jeddah, departed Karachi at 10 pm but was diverted to Riyadh after passengers reported hearing an explosion mid-flight. Following an inspection, the Boeing 777 resumed its journey to Jeddah.
Passengers were relocated to Riyadh airport’s lounge while authorities assessed the situation. A PIA spokesperson explained that the pilot received a high-temperature warning in the cargo cabin during the flight, prompting the precautionary landing.
Read more: Pakistan Arranges 300 Luxury Buses In Mecca For Hajj Pilgrims
Meanwhile, Pakistani pilgrims continue to arrive in Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2024. Already, 41,477 pilgrims have reached Madinah, with an additional 28,628 expected in the coming days. The Pakistan Hajj Mission is facilitating 70,105 pilgrims under government schemes and 80,000 under private schemes.
The incident underscores the challenges and safety measures involved in transporting pilgrims to the holy sites during Hajj season. Despite the hiccup, efforts remain focused on ensuring a smooth pilgrimage experience for all participants.
