Flight to Skardu, Passengers on board protest for unreasonable flight cancellation
Extending confort and exceeding customer satisfaction are the high priorities in modern transportation. Customers even expect more in the tourist destinations like the Gilgit Baltistan where 8 out of the 14 world’s highest mountains draw the global attention. The government monopoly over the communication and transportation system in this region has defaced the quality of service. It was not political when passengers on flight PK 451 heading to Sakardu,one of the best tourist destinations in Pakistan, went on protest upon the bureaucratic behaviour of Pakistan International Airlines. When every body seated in the plane, they were notified of one hour delay due to unknown reasons. few hours later, the flight was cancelled but the passenger refused to get off the plane. The crew proffered an excuse of violent weather, however, the weather was descent enough to fly to Gilgit Baltistan. The passenger chanted slogans against the PIA and their unacceptable behaviour. The crew of the flight started misbehaving the guests in the plane and later threatened them to hand over to Police but the passengers continued to protest in the plane. The lights and Aircon was turned off by the crew and the baggage of the passengers was thrown out. The news of the incident stirred among the political activists and they gathered around the airport to stand by the passengers in their protests. After 4 hours the passengers dispersed peacefully.
The plane contained international tourists and local people who usually fly for emergency purposes. It was a great embarrassment to the people of Gilgit Baltistan whose international image is disfigured by little things which are not in their hands. There are only two flights a day between Skardu and Islamabad and most of the time the flights are cancelled for unknown reasons.
