Passengers storm cockpit as PIA flight sits delayed in Dubai

Dhaka: Dubai Police detained seven passengers after a disturbance broke out aboard a Pakistan International Airlines flight bound for Islamabad, adding further delay to a service already held up by restrictions at Dubai airport.

Sources said Dubai airport authorities had imposed a 10-minute gap between all flight departures the previous night due to the regional security situation. As a result, flight PK212 sat on the tarmac for nearly three and a half hours despite being ready for departure.

Meals were served on board during the extended wait. A group of passengers then created disorder, attempted to force their way into the cockpit, and one passenger smashed a windowpane on the aircraft.

Cabin crew managed to bring the situation under control and alerted Dubai security officials, who opened the aircraft door and arrested the seven passengers involved.

Authorities said the aircraft was grounded following the incident. The remaining passengers and crew were transferred to a hotel, as the flight crew's duty hours had lapsed because of the prolonged delay.