Pakistan International Airlines before boarding a passenger follows strict rules of visa requirements

Karachi, August 15, 2012 (PPI-OT): PIA before boarding a passenger follows strict rules of visa requirements. PIA Spokesman elaborated here on Wednesday after a news story on a few TV News Channels that a passenger was allowed boarding on Lahore-Manchester-New York flight without a Visa.

The factual position is that a female passenger Ms. Zara Batool, a British National, holding a British Passport had an EST (Electronic System Travel) Authorization number which is given to British Passport Holders for traveling to USA. The PIA Staff at Lahore Airport checked and informed the passenger that her EST Number had expired.

The Passenger was asked to apply for a new EST number from the US which usually arrives quickly but in this case the renewal had not arrived and instead of delaying the flight waiting for the new EST number, she was given the understanding that since she is a British National she would only be allowed to travel up to Manchester on her British passport and if the EST number is not provided, she would be off loaded at Manchester. Hence she was offloaded at Manchester and not allowed to travel to New York. PIA Spokesman concluded.

For more information, contact:
S. Sultan Hasan
General Manager, Public Affairs
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
Tel: +9221 9904 0000
Fax: +9221 3457 2225, 3457 0419