Pakistan's PIA flight makes emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after mid-air technical alert

Dozens of Umrah pilgrims aboard PIA flight after emergency landing in Saudi Arabia

A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight from Jeddah to Lahore made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, reports The Express Tribune.

The incident occurred after a technical alert was received mid-air, causing oxygen masks to deploy and panic among passengers, including Umrah pilgrims.

Flight diverted to Dammam

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) spokesperson, quoted by The Express Tribune, said: ‘Flight PK-860 was scheduled to land at Lahore airport at 8 pm; however, it was diverted to King Fahd International Airport in Dammam due to a technical issue.’ Officials added that the plane was carrying 381 passengers.

PIA Boeing 777 (AP-BMS) Jeddah-Lahore flight PK860 for technical reason landed in Dammam.

Later, the aircraft was ferried from Dammam to Karachi at low altitude not more than 9,000 feet.

PIA Boeing 777 (AP-BHX) as substitute aircraft transported passengers from Dammam to Lahore pic.twitter.com/kuDmPv8W8P

— Pakistan Aviation News 🇵🇰 (@avpak3) December 20, 2025

Safe landing and disembarkation

The report stated that the pilot successfully carried out the emergency landing and activated emergency protocols, with all passengers safely disembarked shortly afterwards.

#PIA flight PK-860 from #Jeddah to #Lahore, carrying over 381 passengers, made an emergency landing at #Dammam Airport due to a technical fault during flight.
Oxygen masks were deployed and emergency protocols were activated at Dammam.
Replacement aircraft sent pic.twitter.com/TTy0o2OOty

— Free thinker (@RameezKhan_Kz) December 20, 2025

Alternative arrangements for passengers

PIA arranged an alternate aircraft from Pakistan to transport the stranded passengers to Lahore, ensuring they reached their destination as soon as possible.