Who is Asif Najam? PIA flight attendant disappears in Canada

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is investigating the disappearance of senior flight attendant Asif Najam, who reportedly went missing during a layover in Canada. The incident has raised fresh concerns about the airline’s crew oversight on international flights.

Najam was part of the crew operating the Lahore-Toronto flight on November 16, 2025. He was scheduled to return to Lahore on November 19, but he failed to report for duty. PIA officials say he disappeared from the hotel sometime between November 16 and 19.

Airline Response and Investigation

When contacted by airline officials, Najam reportedly claimed that he was unwell. However, the airline has not received any official medical verification of his condition.

A PIA spokesperson confirmed that the matter is under review. “If the flight attendant is found to have disappeared illegally, strict departmental action will be taken,” the spokesperson said.

The airline emphasized that an internal investigation is ongoing to determine whether the disappearance was deliberate.

Recurring Issue for PIA

This is not the first incident of a PIA crew member disappearing during a foreign layover. Several previous cases have highlighted gaps in monitoring and accountability.

Officials note that PIA is taking steps to prevent such incidents in the future, including stronger oversight measures for crew members on international flights.

The latest disappearance has put additional pressure on PIA, which continues to manage multiple organizational and operational challenges amid ongoing reforms.