In a notable smuggling operation uncovered at Multan airport, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) faced embarrassment as five crew members were apprehended with a total of 78 smuggled iPhones aboard flight PK-222 from Dubai.
The operation began when customs officials discovered 24 iPhones concealed by two female flight attendants. During the subsequent interrogation, the air hostesses revealed several male colleagues, leading to the recovery of an additional 54 devices from their possession.
PIA management sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that disciplinary proceedings would be initiated against all involved crew members.
The discovery not only highlights ongoing security concerns at international ports but also deals a severe blow to PIA’s corporate image, as the national carrier grapples with maintaining its reputation in the competitive aviation sector. The involvement of multiple crew members suggests a coordinated effort rather than an isolated incident.
This isn’t the first time PIA’s own crew has been caught smuggling phones in Pakistan. In another crackdown at Lahore’s international airport in October last year, customs officials intercepted smuggled mobile phones worth over Rs 16.7 million in two separate operations, leading to multiple arrests including a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight attendant.
Nadia Batool, a PIA air hostess serving on flight PK-204 from Dubai, was apprehended with 30 iPhones concealed on her person and in her belongings. The seized devices were valued at Rs. 11.2 million. In a parallel operation, passengers Muhammad Arshad and Fariha Amin were caught attempting to smuggle mobile phones worth Rs 5.5 million in their luggage.