RAWALPINDI: After a video of a mother pleading with the crew on board a Pakistan International Airline (PIA) flight to open the doors of the plane to allow for fresh air to help her unconscious infant went viral, the airline’s management has initiated an investigation into the incident.

The mother of the infant was recorded desperately arguing with the staff after she witnessed her child lose consciousness due to faulty air-conditioning on the plane.

“The inquiry will look into why the crew failed to inform the authorities on time,” said PIA spokesman Mashhood Tajwar while speaking to Dawn.

He said the air-conditioning system had broken down in one part of the aircraft, while it was working in others. He claimed that the child along with the mother was moved to another seat where the air-conditioning was working.

In a press release, the spokesman said that PIA president and chief executive officer Mushar­raf Rasool Cyan had taken serious notice of the incident and ordered an inquiry to ascertain the cause of the problem and take corrective action.

He said the initial investigation revealed that flight PK-750 (Paris to Islamabad) was delayed 30 minutes before taking off at the Paris airport. The doors of the aircraft were closed and it was ready for pushback, but the Air Traffic Control did not give it clearance, which was why the engines were not started. Also the doors could not be opened as it would have been a severe safety violation, he added.

The spokesperson said the issue had been resolved and that was why it was probably not reported. The aircraft flew back to Islamabad amid the satisfaction of the passengers. But, regardless, he said the matter would be investigated.

He said the PIA had reached out to the family of the child. Explanation notices have been given to the captain in command, ground handler at the Paris airport and the airline’s chief operating officer.

“A zero-tolerance policy is being adopted in the PIA and there shall be no compromise on customer convenience, comfort and flight safety. Strict disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty of inconveniencing passengers,” the PIA spokesman added.

He said the PIA had always prioritised passengers’ safety and comfort.

Published in Dawn, August 9th, 2018