A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight traveling from Lahore to Jeddah made an emergency landing at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport on Thursday after a bird struck the aircraft midair.
Flight PK-859, carrying 344 passengers including many Umrah pilgrims experienced the bird strike shortly after takeoff, resulting in significant damage to the cockpit windshield. The pilot immediately diverted the aircraft and managed a safe landing in Karachi. No injuries were reported.
Following the emergency landing, PIA shifted passengers to nearby hotels while technical teams began inspecting the aircraft. According to airline sources, repairs and maintenance may take up to 12 hours, and the flight is expected to resume its journey to Jeddah later tonight, pending clearance from engineers and aviation authorities.
