DUBAI: A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight bound for Islamabad was grounded at Dubai International Airport on Sunday after unruly passengers broke a window and attempted to storm the cockpit, authorities confirmed.
Flight PK 212, which was scheduled to depart from Dubai to the Pakistani capital, was delayed for over three hours due to heightened security protocols at the airport. According to a PIA spokesperson, Dubai authorities had imposed a ten-minute gap between all departures amid regional security concerns, leaving the aircraft stranded on the tarmac despite being ready for takeoff.
Tensions escalated when passengers, already frustrated by the prolonged wait, were served food on the ground. After the meal, a group of travelers became increasingly agitated, with one passenger reportedly raising alarm about safety conditions in the lounge.
According to sources, a passenger complained of feeling unwell inside the departure lounge, prompting another individual to shout, “These people will take our lives in the airport lounge instead of taking off.” The outburst triggered a group of passengers to march toward the cockpit, where they mistakenly confronted the station manager, believing him to be the captain.
The situation took a dangerous turn when one passenger violently kicked and shattered a window near the front seat of the aircraft. The cockpit crew—comprising the captain and co-pilot—immediately contacted Dubai police, as the aircraft remained parked at the jetty with the agitated passengers posing a serious safety risk.
Law enforcement officials arrived promptly, opened the aircraft door, and detained all seven passengers involved in the disturbance. The remaining passengers and crew were offloaded and transferred to a local hotel, while the flight was officially grounded.
PIA confirmed that no injuries were reported, and an investigation has been launched into the incident. The airline also assured that affected passengers would be accommodated on alternative flights as soon as possible.
