PIA Denies Fake Reports of Crew Disappearance in Toronto
Pakistan International Airlines has categorically rejected viral social media claims suggesting that an entire PIA flight crew went missing in Toronto, Canada. The national flag carrier described the circulating information as fake, misleading, and part of a coordinated attempt to damage Pakistan’s image.
In an official statement issued on Sunday, Pakistan International Airlines said the claims had no factual basis. The airline clarified that no such incident occurred and all crew members are safe and fully accounted for.
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The statement came after a tweet gained traction online, alleging that the full crew of a PIA flight had disappeared after landing in Toronto. The claim quickly spread across multiple platforms, causing concern among passengers and the public.
PIA Denies Fake Reports Circulating on Social Media
Addressing the rumors directly, PIA said the misleading content was circulated by “anti-Pakistan quarters” with the intent to malign the airline and create unnecessary panic.
“There has been no such incident, and the news is completely fake,” PIA stated, urging citizens to avoid sharing unverified information.
The airline emphasized that its flight operations to and from Canada are running smoothly and without disruption.
Spokesperson Calls Claims Malicious Propaganda
A PIA spokesperson also issued a separate clarification, rejecting the reports and identifying them as part of a deliberate propaganda campaign. According to the spokesperson, certain hostile social media accounts have a history of spreading false narratives about Pakistan and its institutions.
“The misleading tweet is part of a well-planned effort based on hostility towards Pakistan,” the spokesperson said, adding that the objective was to damage the reputation of both the national airline and the country.
Clarification Amid Past Isolated Incidents
While dismissing the current rumor, PIA acknowledged that in past years, there have been isolated cases of individual crew members failing to return from international destinations, particularly Canada. However, the airline stressed that these incidents never involved entire flight crews.
PIA clarified that such individual cases were handled through internal investigations and disciplinary procedures, and they should not be misrepresented as mass disappearances.
November 21 Case Under Inquiry
One recent case occurred on November 21, when a PIA flight attendant did not report for duty on flight PK-798 from Toronto to Lahore. According to PIA officials, the attendant cited health-related reasons for his absence.
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The airline launched an inquiry to establish the facts and warned that strict departmental action would be taken if the absence was found to be unlawful.
Other Past Cases Explained
In October last year, a cabin crew member based in Islamabad reportedly went missing during a layover in Toronto. Similarly, a 47-year-old PIA steward was reported missing in Canada in March 2024.
Another incident in February 2024 involved a cabin crew member who arrived in Toronto on flight PK-782 from Islamabad but failed to report for the return flight to Karachi.
PIA reiterated that these were individual actions and not reflective of the airline’s overall operational integrity.
PIA’s Policy on Missing Crew Members
The national carrier said it follows strict standard operating procedures when a crew member fails to report for duty abroad. These include immediate contact, internal inquiries, and coordination with relevant authorities when necessary.
PIA stated that accountability remains a core principle and that any violation of rules results in disciplinary and legal action.
Fake News Poses Serious Risks
PIA warned that fake news not only damages public trust but also harms national institutions and Pakistan’s international standing. The airline stressed that misinformation campaigns often exploit old or unrelated incidents to create sensational false narratives.
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The airline urged media outlets and social media users to verify facts before sharing content.
Public Urged to Rely on Official Sources
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, PIA advised the public to rely only on official statements for accurate information.
“Responsible sharing of information is essential in the digital age,” the airline said.
Conclusion
Pakistan International Airlines has firmly stated that reports claiming an entire crew went missing in Toronto are false. While acknowledging past isolated cases involving individual crew members, PIA made it clear that the current viral claims are fabricated.
PIA Denies Fake Reports and continues to operate its international flights normally, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and public trust.
