KARACHI: A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight operating from Karachi to Jeddah underwent an emergency evacuation after ground staff suspected a fire in the aircraft’s number two engine during parking. While the aircraft was parked at the Jeddah airport bay following a normal landing, ground personnel suspected engine smoke or fire, prompting the pilot to initiate standard operating procedures for an emergency evacuation. Passengers exited the aircraft via the boarding bridge and emergency slides. Although initial local reports noted minor injuries requiring medical checks at the airport clinic, PIA’s official spokesperson maintained that all passengers remained safe with no injuries reported. Following a thorough technical inspection by airport authorities, the initial fire suspicion was confirmed to be a false alarm. Consequently, the affected aircraft’s return flight to Lahore experienced a 20 to 22-hour delay, with affected passengers either accommodated in hotels or permitted to return home.
