Another incident of a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) crew member allegedly disappearing abroad has surfaced, this time involving a senior flight attendant who vanished during a layover in Canada.
The airline says the matter is being investigated, with disciplinary action expected if wrongdoing is confirmed.
PIA officials said Asif Najam, a senior flight attendant, has allegedly gone missing after operating a flight from Lahore to Toronto on November 16. He was scheduled to return to Lahore on a November 19 flight but failed to report for duty.
According to the PIA spokesperson, Najam disappeared from the hotel sometime between November 16 and 19.
Crew member claimed unwell when contacted
When airline officials attempted to contact him, Najam reportedly claimed he was unwell, the spokesperson said. However, the airline has not yet received official verification of his medical condition.
PIA has stated that the incident is under review, and authorities are working to determine whether the disappearance was deliberate.
The PIA spokesperson confirmed that an internal investigation is ongoing. “If the air hostess is found to have disappeared illegally, strict departmental action will be taken,” the spokesperson noted.
The airline emphasized that it has dealt with several similar cases in the past, where crew members slipped away during foreign layovers, often raising concerns about oversight and accountability.
Recurring issue for national carrier
PIA continues to face challenges as multiple employees have previously gone missing abroad during international flights.
The latest case adds to the growing list of crew-related incidents that the airline is struggling to manage amid broader organizational reforms.
Officials say stronger monitoring and enforcement measures may be introduced to prevent future occurrences.
