PIA, other airlines heavily fined by CAA over
delayed luggage
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has levied
hefty fines on several airlines operating in the country, including the
national carrier.
The regulatory authority imposed a significant
fine of Rs5.2 million on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for the delayed
delivery of passengers' luggage.
In addition to the national carrier, various
private airlines were also fined a total of Rs6 million, which pertained to 13
flights experiencing delayed luggage delivery at Karachi International Airport.
Over the past six months, a considerable number
of flights faced fines at Islamabad Airport, with most cases related to the
late delivery of passengers' luggage. Reports suggest that a total of 517
flights were fined in this period, as reported by 24 News.
Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore
was also among the airports where delayed luggage delivery was reported. As
many as 473 flights received warnings for tardy delivery due to a shortage of
loaders.
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority has
established a time limit of 45 minutes for unloading passengers' luggage, with
a slightly extended limit of 50 minutes for Boeing aircraft.
While there are multiple factors contributing
to delayed luggage delivery, a significant portion of such incidents occurs
during Hajj flights.
It's worth noting that the previous government
had finalized plans to outsource three international airports located in
Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore. For Islamabad Airport, modalities had been
established, including a 15-year outsourcing arrangement.
Although comprehensive details about the
outsourcing are yet to be released, it's reported that a third party will
manage administrative and financial affairs, design, and construction of
Islamabad International Airport. Matters related to service charges, exchange
rates, and shop rent will also fall under the third party's purview. However,
security, customs, and immigration services at the airport will remain under
the control of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Initial reports suggest that the third party
will have the option to establish shopping malls and branded shops at the
airport.
Former Aviation Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique had announced the 15-year outsourcing plan for the airport, clarifying that navigational services and runway operations would remain under the purview of the Civil Aviation Authority, with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) serving as the government's consultant on outsourcing. Approximately a dozen companies have expressed interest in the project.
Source: Daily Pakistan