Authorities went out of their way to help passengers, say officials
The passengers and crew of an Air India aircraft, which made an emergency landing at the Nawabshah Airport in Sindh, Pakistan, in the early hours of Monday, reached New Delhi on a relief plane, in a happy denouement to the nearly 12-hour unscheduled halt that was made comfortable by the Pakistani authorities.
India promptly acknowledged Pakistan’s assistance. “The Pakistan authorities went out of their way and were very helpful…in providing emergency landing to the Air India flight, speedy clearances to the relief plane,…water and refreshments to the stranded passengers, and offering transit visa to passengers,” government sources said in New Delhi.
The New Delhi-bound flight (AI 940) made an emergency landing at Nawabshah at 3.37 a.m., after the pilot detected a trouble in the hydraulic system. Pakistan’s Defence Secretary Nargis Sethi instructed the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to provide all possible assistance and facilities to the 122 passengers and an eight-member crew on the flight that was coming from Abu Dhabi.
“They [the Pakistanis] had to get the equipment necessary for getting the problem sorted out, so engineers had to go and put things together. The Pakistani authorities were very positive and helpful,” said senior diplomat Ashok Tomar, who received the passengers in Delhi.
According to CAA spokesman Pervez George, the pilot was given the option of allowing the passengers and the crew to use the airport lounge, but he declined the offer, saying they were comfortable in the plane as the air-conditioning was on and the aircraft was adequately stocked up with food. All he asked for was water, which was given.
The Adviser to the Prime Minister on Interior, Rehman Malik, directed his officials to arrange for the issue of transit visas. However, since the passengers and crew members were transferred directly to the relief aircraft, the facility was not availed.
Keywords: Air India plane, emergency landing, Nawabshah airport
Thanks to the Pakistani authorities for their prompt help. This is
indeed a great moment in our bilateral relations.
It was a truly laudable gesture from the Pakistani authorities in providing all the needed assistance to the stranded passengers on the Air India aircraft. Many of us Indians should stop looking at Pakistanis, in general, as enemies of India. Though there may have been Pakistani state actors in various terrorist strikes in India over the years, there are plenty of people, also in the government, in Pakistan, who mean well. And we Indians, would do well to me more matured in our attitude toward them.
It was open case where any body can not do anything. But still I respect neighbour's timely help in this concern. I wish if this kind mentality each one of us & they had, we would never be neighbour, indeed brother. Thanks.
It is heartening to see the hospitality provided by the Pakistanis.
Thanks for the same. I wish there will be more people to people contact
which will reduce the tensions between the two nations
these transit visas may pose problems for these passengers while they plan on visiting a few western countries. even transiting via few countries have made passengers face unnecessary queries to get their way into few western nations, these are very unfortunate times!
Nice to see such friendly gesture coming from Pakistan. Wish our two nations could become symbol of friendship, peace and harmony for eternity.
The news might be bad taste for communal elements. However it is a
perfect assistance in time of a need by a legitimate neighbor.
You all are very welcome here and at anytime.
Wish people of India Love, Peace and prosperity.
Regards from Pathan :)
Its great to hear of such a humanitarian attitude by the people of a neighbouring country. Its the need of the hour to give place to such news articles! Long live Humanity!!!!!
Bravo Pakistan, keep this faith and friendship in other issues as well.
Thanks to Government of Pakistan for making all out offers to passengers and crew for rest at lounge, 24 hour visa and other assistance,, but all on board remained stranded for 12 hours. This was, i think, due to long lasting fear that remained in the minds of masses of subcontinent, which needs to be removed.
I request the authorities to make efforts in the near future Indian PM tour to Pakistan for easy visa availability at borders, rather to visit capitals for days.
Thank for the above news.... Why don't you give the update concerning the resuming of normal AI flights after the withdrawal of the strike by the Pilots... It will be of great use.
Please Email the Editor