QUETTA: An aircraft of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has been stranded after landing in the midst of heavy snowfall due to non-availability of de-icing equipment at Quetta airport, said news sources on Monday.
The Jeddah-Quetta plane was trapped when it landed at the airport after the heavy snowfall started.
The airport administration has not found a solution to clear the runway since the technical staff do not have the requisite chemicals and equipment available.
The aircraft has been stuck at the airport since the last 24 hours which affects other flights schedule.
PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan said the technical staff needed de-icing equipment to clear the aircraft and engine not available at Quetta Airport. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is responsible for the provision of the de-icing facility to void the creation of passenger disturbance due to delay in flight schedules and damage to the aircraft.
The spokesperson added that hotel accommodation has been offered to the passengers and the administration also provides the necessary information to the people.
He added that due to the current weather conditions many domestic flights from Quetta airports have been postponed. The flights include Karachi-Quetta-Karachi-PK-325 and 326 Islamabad-Quetta-Islamabad, PK-310 and 311 and Quetta-Karachi-PK-8363.
After weather improvement, the flights will resume and the passengers have been advised to contact PIA call centers for further information, he said.
