FlyJinnah aircraft didn’t catch fire, AI-generated image used

A digital news outlet ‘Startup Pakistan’ shared a picture of the FlyJinnah aircraft catching fire which proved to be fake and digitally generated.

The post is captioned, “FlyJinnah Place Catches Fire During Touchdown at Lahore Airport.” Fact Check Pakistan found the picture is fake and AI-generated. The outlet has NOT placed a disclaimer that the picture is AI-generative and representative.

The news outlet also reported that the aircraft “caught fire.” This is MISLEADING as there was no fire incident but rather the fire alarm went off, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing.

According to media reports, Fly Jinnah flight travelling from Karachi to Lahore made an emergency landing at the Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore after fire alarms went off in the cockpit.

According to a Civil Airport Authority spokesperson, the captain issued a “mayday” call at 7:15pm near Lahore, reporting smoke in the cargo compartment.

The private airliner safely landed at the airport. The pilot was instructed to open all doors and emergency slides after landing and all passengers remained safe.

An examination of the cargo area of the aircraft found no evidence of fire and the pilot was taken to the CAA Medical Unit for medical tests and examination.

Following an inspection, the fire department declared the aircraft clear at 7:57pm. Senior officials have ordered an investigation into the incident.

In a statement, Fly Jinnah said that its flight 9P846 from Karachi to Lahore experienced a “smoke alarm” indication in the cargo compartment upon landing in Lahore on Monday.

“All crew and passengers on board landed safely in Lahore,” it said, adding that the technical team conducted a thorough inspection to identify the alarm cause.