Ali Khan, a Pakistani travel vlogger, recently shared his experience on what he called “one of the most dangerous flights in the world” – a journey to Skardu aboard Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Despite being instructed by the flight crew to stop filming, Khan captured his journey on video, highlighting a series of concerning issues he encountered.
Khan’s video brought to light several problems, including unclean seats, broken handles, and the presence of duct tape on the overhead bin. These observations, coupled with the fact that PIA was banned by the European Union in 2020 due to safety concerns, cast a shadow of doubt over the airline’s reliability.
“Pakistan has a troubled reputation in the world…It doesn’t help when your national carrier is also banned from an entire continent,” Khan stated. He explained that he decided to take the PIA flight for the first time in over a decade to explore the Northern Areas of Pakistan. In his video, Khan revealed that the airline’s ban from Europe was partly attributed to the alarming fact that one in three pilots had fake licenses.
Khan’s experience began with a bizarre encounter as soon as he boarded the plane. When he attempted to record the journey, the crew immediately stopped him. However, as he later remarked in the video’s voice-over, “I can see why.” Upon looking around, he noticed several unsettling details, such as duct tape on the overhead compartment, which further fueled his apprehension about the flight.
Throughout the flight, Khan’s anxiety grew due to the treacherous landing among the towering mountains of Skardu. He could only hope for a safe touchdown amidst the challenging terrain.
Despite his anxieties, Khan was captivated by the breathtaking scenery outside the window. He described Skardu as the “Switzerland of Pakistan,” a popular destination for trekkers and nature lovers, serving as the gateway to some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2. He also praised the pilot for his “cool” demeanor, appreciating the pilot’s willingness to share facts about the region.
After a safe landing, Khan was amazed by the airport’s picturesque location, further solidifying his admiration for the beauty of the Northern Areas of Pakistan. His video serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by the Pakistani aviation industry while showcasing the stunning natural wonders that await travelers in the country.
