Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Sherry Rehman on Tuesday claimed Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) boarded her on the wrong plane as she was travelling to Garhi Khuda Bux for the death anniversary of slain former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

"PIA boarded us on the wrong ATR for Multan instead of Sukkur," she tweeted.

Rehman later added that she was now on the right flight "but no bakra in sight", referring to a goat 'sadqa' made by the national flag carrier that made headlines after the first ATR aircraft was cleared for take off following the PK-661 ATR plane crash.

PIA Spokesman Danyal Gilani, responding to media queries, said an inquiry has been ordered into the incident.

"Please note that two ATR aircraft were parked on adjacent bays at the Karachi airport, departing for Multan and Sukkur at almost the same time. Due to some confusion, the coach driver dropped her at the wrong bay," a statement released by the PIA spokesman said.

"However, as she approached the aircraft operating for Multan, the staff present outside the aircraft, corrected her and guided her to the other aircraft which was parked a few steps away," the statement added.

"Such instances are very rarely reported but confusion may occur in case of simultaneous departures. To avoid this, airlines have checks at multiple levels where boarding cards are checked and any such passengers can be intercepted," Gilani said.

The boarding mix-up comes at a time Pakistan's national flag carrier is facing intense public and media scrutiny after the PK-661 air crash earlier this month.

Since the Dec 7 PIA plane crash near Havelian this month, several incidents of flight diversions and delays caused by technical issues have embroiled the airline.

Opinion

Editorial

Islamabad march
Updated 27 Nov, 2024

Islamabad march

WITH emotions running high, chaos closes in. As these words were being written, rumours and speculation were all...
Policing the internet
27 Nov, 2024

Policing the internet

IT is chilling to witness how Pakistan — a nation that embraced the freedoms of modern democracy, and the tech ...
Correcting sports priorities
27 Nov, 2024

Correcting sports priorities

IT has been a lingering battle that has cast a shadow over sports in Pakistan: who are the national sports...
Kurram ceasefire
Updated 26 Nov, 2024

Kurram ceasefire

DESPITE efforts by the KP government to bring about a ceasefire in Kurram tribal district, the bloodletting has...
Hollow victory
26 Nov, 2024

Hollow victory

THE conclusion of COP29 in Baku has left developing nations — struggling with the mounting costs of climate...
Infrastructure schemes
26 Nov, 2024

Infrastructure schemes

THE government’s decision to finance priority PSDP schemes on a three-year rolling basis is a significant step...