DUBAI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK212, scheduled to travel from Dubai to Islamabad, was hit by an extraordinary delay on Friday night after passengers created disorder onboard .

According to sources, Dubai Airport authorities had introduced a 10-minute gap between all departing flights due to regional security concerns, causing the PIA aircraft to remain on the ground for approximately three and a half hours despite being ready for departure .

Passengers were served meals during the prolonged wait. However, tensions escalated afterward, with several passengers becoming agitated over the extended delay . Some passengers allegedly attempted to force their way into the cockpit, but cabin crew intervened and prevented the breach .

One angry passenger then smashed an aircraft window, creating panic onboard and preventing the flight from departing .

The captain immediately alerted Dubai security authorities, who boarded the aircraft and detained 9 passengers accused of causing the disturbance .

The damaged aircraft was subsequently grounded, while the remaining passengers and crew were transferred to a hotel, as the operating crew had exceeded their permitted duty hours .

According to PIA sources, the aircraft is expected to depart for Islamabad at approximately 11:15 PM after necessary repairs and inspections .