PIA-Canada mystery: Why cabin crew are vanishing after leaving Pakistan

Multiple cab crew members of Pakistan International Airlines have vanished after landing in Canada, leaving people questioning if they intentionally absconded or went missing. While one crew member was found without her passport at a Canada airport on March 17, many have previously slipped away before their return flight to Pakistan.

More than 10 PIA flight attendants have gone into hiding after landing in Canada in recent weeks. Such instances are not new. According to the airlines, at least four PIA stewards and air hostesses sneaked away upon arrival in Canada.

Four others had also slipped away in 2022. Experts believe that the PIA cabin crew are seeking refuge in Canada due to Pakistan's economic woes, concern over PIA’s future and low salaries offered by the airlines.

A cabin crew working with Pakistan International Airlines flew from Islamabad to Toronto without her passport, prompting the Canadian authorities to slap a fine of 200 dollars on her, according to a media report on Sunday.

The incident happened on March 15 after she forgot to carry her passport while on duty on flight PK-781, bound for Toronto, and had to board the plane on the general declaration documents, Geo News reported.

Jibran Baloch, a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight steward performed duties on the PIA flight PK-782 earlier this month. However, he failed to turn up for duty on the return flight. Following a search of his hotel room by the PIA staff, it was revealed that he had slipped away, Geo News reported.

Confirming the incident, the PIA spokesperson identified the missing flight attendant and confirmed the incident.

The spokesperson said that measures to stop the incidents of flight crew members going missing in the North American country have turned out "abortive".

Also Watch: 20-year-old Indian student from Andhra killed in Boston