The Enigma of Disappearing Pakistani Flight Attendants in Toronto

Introduction

In the bustling city of Toronto, Canada, an inexplicable phenomenon has been unfolding. Flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) seem to vanish into thin air as soon as they land on Canadian soil. What lies behind this mysterious trend? Let’s delve into the details.

The Vanishing Act

During layovers in Toronto, PIA flight attendants have been quietly slipping away. Faiza Mukhtar, a crew member on the Islamabad–Toronto flight PK 781, became the latest addition to this perplexing list. However, when it was time for the return flight PK 784 from Toronto to Karachi, Faiza was nowhere to be found. This isn’t an isolated incident—at least eight flight attendants have disappeared during their Canadian layovers over the past two years.

Unraveling the Puzzle

1. The Age Factor

PIA has taken steps to address this baffling issue. They now assign cabin crew members over the age of 50 to Canada flights. The reasoning? Older women traveling alone are less likely to seek a fresh start in another country. It’s a practical measure to reduce the likelihood of vanishing attendants.

2. Heightened Surveillance

Despite increased monitoring during layovers, attendants continue to slip away. The mystery deepens.

3. Asylum and Immigration

PIA points fingers at Canada’s generous asylum procedures. Flight attendants may not even be breaking the law, but the airline believes that even asylum-eligible employees should be compelled to return home. The accommodating nature of Canadian law allows for asylum applications after entry into the country, creating a tempting escape route for those seeking a new life.

PIA: A Troubled Airline

PIA faces challenges beyond vanishing attendants. The airline is notorious for sacrificing goats for safety and squeezing more passengers onto flights than there are seats. Their former CEO even faced detention due to efforts to improve service by wet leasing aircraft from SriLankan. Operating on time remains a struggle, as customers expect delays. Repossessions of planes and fuel payment issues further plague the airline.

Pakistan’s Dilemma

PIA’s home country, Pakistan, grapples with economic woes. Despite being an Islamic Republic, its economy lags behind countries like Haiti, Uzbekistan, and the Republic of Congo. Perhaps getting people out of Pakistan is the most valuable service PIA can offer. Unfortunately, mismanagement and political interference have hindered the airline’s potential profitability.

In conclusion, the mystery of vanishing PIA flight attendants remains unsolved. Whether it’s the allure of asylum, the challenges of working for a troubled airline, or something else entirely, the skies hold the secret to these enigmatic departures . Perhaps one day, the truth will emerge from the clouds.

References:

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/why-pak-flight-attendants-are-vanishing-after-landing-in-canada-5168626

https://www.blogto.com/travel/2024/01/pakistan-international-airlines-toronto-disappear

https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/another-pakistan-international-airlines-flight-attendant-disappears-in-canada

https://viewfromthewing.com