TORONTO- Pakistan International Airlines (PK) or PIA is investigating another case of a cabin crew member who failed to return from a layover in Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) after operating a scheduled flight from Lahore Airport (LHE).
The attendant was part of the crew rostered for both sectors of the Lahore to Toronto rotation, but did not report for duty on the return flight and has since remained out of contact with the airline.
PIA later confirmed it briefly reached the crew member, who cited health issues before ending communication. The airline has now classified the case as an unlawful disappearance and initiated internal procedures in response.
Pakistan Airlines Crew Goes Missing
The incident involved flight PK789 from Lahore (LHE) to Toronto (YYZ) on November 16, 2025. The crew member was expected to operate the return service PK798 on November 19, but never showed up. Once contact was stopped, operations staff escalated the case and notified authorities, following standard protocol.
For more than a decade, PIA has recorded multiple cases of flight attendants choosing not to return from Canadian layovers.
The pattern has raised concerns inside the airline because of its frequency and because Canada’s asylum framework allows applicants to file claims once in the country.
Many cases in past years involved crew citing economic hardship in Pakistan as a key factor in their decision.
PIA announced procedural changes several years ago to reduce such occurrences. Plans included temporary retention of crew passports during layovers and tighter hotel monitoring. These measures have not delivered the intended results. Crew members who intend to stay behind often find ways around the controls, including abandoning passports entirely.
ALSO READ: Pakistan Airlines Cabin Crew Arrested at Toronto
Why is This Happening Regularly?
Toronto is the primary point where these disappearances occur. PIA crews have long viewed the city as a gateway for asylum claims due to Canada’s processing system and the perception of a more secure long-term outlook.
The airline’s cases differ from more extreme aviation events that involved flight crews diverting aircraft to seek asylum.
PIA incidents happen during scheduled layovers and have not posed risks to passengers or the operation of flights.
Understanding PIA Cabin Crew Salary
Pakistan International Airlines, or PIA, offers varied pay for cabin crew based on rank, flying pattern, and allowances. Crew stationed at Karachi Jinnah International Airport KHI or other bases see differences driven mainly by international rosters and per diem earnings.
The airline publishes limited salary data, so figures are drawn from verified ranges reported by crew members and recent recruitment material. These provide a clear expectation of what cabin crew at PIA can reasonably earn per month.
- Entry-level cabin crew on domestic or short-haul routes typically earn PKR 45,000 to 85,000 (US$160 to US$300)
- Mid-level attendants with mixed rosters generally fall between PKR 80,000 and 150,000.
- Senior crew and pursers operating international flights often reach PKR 130,000 to 260,000 or more.
Note: 1 USD= ~280 PKR
Components That Build Total Pay
Basic salary is the foundation, but it remains modest compared with private carriers. Flying allowances tied to block hours or international sectors contribute most to monthly income. Per diem and layover allowances add daily fixed sums during stops abroad.
Extra duty or overtime applies when the crew takes on additional flights or training work. Medical benefits, pension support, travel concessions, and uniform allowances improve overall value but are not part of cash take-home pay.
Annual Income Estimates
- Junior attendants usually fall between PKR 540,000 and 1,020,000 a year (US$1,920 to US$3,620).
- Mid-level attendants range from PKR 960,000 to 1,800,000.
- Senior crew and pursers often reach PKR 1,560,000 to 3,120,000 or more.
Key Factors That Influence Pay
International flying frequency remains the strongest driver of income. Rank and tenure shift crew into higher allowance categories. Base city impacts taxes and per diem differences.
Changes in contracts, union agreements, or restructuring periods may adjust salary structures. PIA has seen several such cycles that influenced pay and staffing.
Recent PIA hiring notices offer the clearest view of starting pay and allowances. Crew forums, professional groups, and alumni networks provide practical insights from active crew members. Recruitment agencies and airline job listings sometimes display expected salary bands.
For the most precise and current data, candidates should review PIA’s latest recruitment announcement and compare it with active crew feedback.
So the salary mentioned, however, is pretty decent in the country, but it is nothing compared to other global carriers. Also, cabin crew seeking a better lifestyle and a safe environment is pretty difficult in their own country.
Operational and Policy Implications
Each disappearance adds pressure on PIA’s planning teams, which must rapidly adjust crew assignments and aircraft rotations.
The airline continues to review its internal controls, though the broader challenge relates to national migration patterns rather than airline procedures alone.
PIA states that disciplinary action will follow for any crew member who abandons duty, yet past experience shows that enforcing such measures is difficult once the individual remains abroad.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
