PIA flight carrying Umrah pilgrims makes emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after mid-air alert

PIA flight PK-860 carrying Umrah pilgrims made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after a mid-air technical alert, triggering oxygen mask deployment and diversion to Dammam airport.

WEBDESK – MediaBites – December 20, 2025

A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight carrying dozens of Umrah pilgrims was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Saturday after a technical alert was triggered mid-air, causing panic among passengers.

According to reports, the Boeing 777 operating flight PK-860 from Jeddah to Lahore experienced a technical issue while airborne, leading to the deployment of oxygen masks inside the cabin. The sudden development alarmed passengers, many of whom were returning from Umrah.

A PIA spokesperson said the aircraft, which was scheduled to land in Lahore around 8 p.m., was diverted to King Fahd International Airport in Dammam as a precautionary measure. The plane was carrying 381 passengers at the time of the incident.

The pilot followed standard emergency procedures and safely landed the aircraft in Dammam. All passengers were later disembarked without injury, officials confirmed.

Aviation sources said the affected aircraft, a PIA Boeing 777, was later ferried from Dammam to Karachi at a low altitude for technical inspection. Meanwhile, PIA arranged a replacement Boeing 777 to transport the stranded passengers from Dammam to Lahore.

The airline said alternative arrangements were made promptly to minimize inconvenience and ensure passengers reached their destination safely.

PIA officials praised the flight crew for handling the situation professionally and reassured passengers that safety protocols were followed throughout the incident. An investigation into the technical fault is expected as part of standard aviation procedures.