PIA flight's evacuation slide activation causes delay at Beijing airport

'As per standard procedure PIA had to offload nearly 50 passengers joining from Beijing along with their luggage'

A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight’s emergency slide was activated during the loading of inflight meals at the Beijing airport, causing inconvenience to passengers and a delay of nearly three hours.

“PIA flight PK853 for the sector Tokyo-Beijing - Islamabad operated by Boeing 777 was parked at Beijing airport when emergency slide got activated," according to an official statement issued on Friday.

The incident caused a delay of nearly three hours and “as per standard operating procedure the PIA had to offload nearly 50 passengers joining from Beijing along with their luggage, it added.

According to a PIA spokesperson, the offloaded passengers were informed about the cause of delay and had been provided with the hotel accommodation.

"These passengers will be adjusted on the next available flight to Pakistan," he added.



The spokesperson also said that the CEO PIA, Air Marshal Arshad Malik, has ordered an immediate inquiry into the incident while suspending the responsible cabin crew.

“PIA regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers due to the incident,” read the communique, adding that the strict disciplinary action would be taken against those found guilty as per corporation rules.

Earlier this month, a woman aboard a PIA flight mistakenly opened the emergency exit door thinking it was the toilet while the plane was on the runway at the Manchester Airport.