PIA was in a mess on Saturday afternoon. This reporter was scheduled to travel to Islamabad by PK 308, one of its most prestigious inland flights that commute daily in the afternoon between Karachi and the federal capital.
After the TV review on previous (Friday) night, informing about strike by the engineering personnel of the national airline, the PIA enquiry in Karachi was contacted at three different times between 1000, 1200, and 1400 hrs at phone nos: Enquiry 4572011, 457237, Services 4579372 in addition to the regular information outlet 114.
Each time the PIA official, whoever received the call, spoke with assurance and confidence that the flight would depart on time, at 1600 hours. At 1515 hrs, it was again checked, 45 minutes ahead of the departure time. Enquiries made from no less than half a dozen PIA employees brought the response that the flight would go on schedule, give or take 15 minutes.
At about 1700 hours, 60 minutes later than the departure time, an announcement was made that the aircraft would now leave at 1800 hours, and would the passengers collect refreshments from Gate No 13. However, the tale still hangs whether the aircraft would depart at the time announced. Every passenger locked in the departure lounge is hesitant either to believe the announcement or PIA employees.
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