Pakistan International Airlines (Pakistan International Airlines) has suspended two air hostesses after a physical altercation at Jeddah International Airport, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The incident occurred on December 23 at the departure lounge in Jeddah, where a PIA flight was preparing to depart for Multan. A video showing the confrontation later circulated on social media and quickly drew public attention.
Witnesses said the dispute began as a verbal exchange and soon escalated into physical violence. The reason for the argument remains unclear. A senior PIA official intervened at the scene and separated the two employees.
A PIA spokesperson confirmed that the airline took immediate notice of the misconduct. The administration suspended both air hostesses and initiated a formal inquiry to determine responsibility.
پی آئی اے کی دو ایئر ہوسٹس جدہ ائیر پورٹ پر آپس میں لڑ پڑیں پہلے تلخ جملوں کا تبادلہ اور گالیاں pic.twitter.com/qld0FWLLWn
— صحرانورد (@Aadiiroy2) December 28, 2025The spokesperson said PIA would take disciplinary action after completing the investigation. The airline stressed that staff conduct must meet professional standards, especially at international airports.
The incident comes at a sensitive time for the national carrier, which recently entered a new phase under private ownership. The Arif Habib Consortium has officially acquired PIA after winning the privatisation bid with an offer of Rs135 billion.
Read: Fauji Fertiliser Joins Arif Habib Consortium in Rs135bn PIA Privatisation Deal
The consortium purchased 75 per cent of the airline’s shares. It edged past the Lucky Consortium, which submitted a final bid of Rs134 billion. Officials said the government will receive Rs 10.2 billion in immediate cash under the agreement.
This transaction marks Pakistan’s first major large-scale privatisation in nearly two decades. Authorities expect the move to save taxpayers about Rs35 billion each year by cutting subsidies and reducing operational losses.
Analysts view the sale as a key step in the government’s economic reform program. They say it signals renewed investor confidence and aims to improve efficiency in loss-making state-owned enterprises.
