PIA passengers stranded in Islamabad after Skardu flight diversion

More than 180 passengers travelling from Karachi to Skardu on a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight were left stranded in Islamabad on Monday after their aircraft landed in the federal capital instead of its scheduled destination, according to passengers.

Passengers said the flight was originally scheduled to land in Skardu at 7 a.m. but departed Karachi with a delay of about one and a half hours.

According to the passengers, the aircraft later landed at Islamabad Airport, where they were informed that they would be dropped off and would have to make their own arrangements to travel to Skardu.

"We were told that we can go to Skardu ourselves," a passenger said, adding that no alternative arrangements had been provided despite the presence of children, women and elderly passengers on board.

Some passengers also alleged that they were warned against protesting and were told they could be sent back to Karachi if they created a disturbance. They further claimed that they had been informed that no refunds would be provided.

Passengers said they had been waiting at the airport for several hours without receiving any clear information or assistance from the airline.

"It is past 2:30 p.m. and no one is asking about our situation. We are facing severe difficulties," a passenger said while appealing to senior PIA authorities to intervene and resolve the matter.

PIA had not issued an official response to the passengers' claims at the time of reporting.

 Reporter: Tayyab Saif