Canada to conduct security audit of Pakistani airports
Transport Canada is set to visit Pakistan in December for a
comprehensive audit of flight and airport security.
A two-member delegation from Transport Canada is scheduled
to land in Karachi during the first week of December. Their audit will
encompass the security measures of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) direct
flights to Canada and airport security arrangements.
The visit of the Canadian delegation will commence on
December 4 at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport. Key officials from the
Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) will brief the Canadian
representatives on security protocols and the structure of the institution.
EASA
to audit PIA, PCAA before granting permission to fly again in EU
Moreover, the foreign delegation will conduct assessments of
various aspects, including PIA aircraft, airport security, cargo handling,
flight kitchen, ground handling, and other relevant departments.
The impending visit of the Transport Canada delegation aims
to assess the security measures associated with direct flights to Canada from
major airports, including Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
The delegation will also inspect the joint baggage screening
counters of the CAA. Sources indicate that their assessments will include
passenger luggage screening procedures, cargo handling, and security equipment.
UK’s
Department for Transport to conduct audit of Pakistani airports
Recently, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) clarified
that its flight operations to Canada are proceeding according to the regular
schedule. This clarification followed reports that a PIA plane was grounded due
to outstanding dues.
According to sources, PIA flight PK 790 was detained in
Canada due to complaints from ground handling and fuel companies. However, a
PIA spokesperson confirmed that the ground handling company's dues of $200,000
have been settled.
Pakistan has high hopes for the resumption of direct flight
operations to the United Kingdom (UK) and Europe after the upcoming visits by
aviation audit teams.
A delegation from the British safety agency, the Department
for Transport (DfT), is expected to visit Pakistan at the end of October.
Following a three-year ban, the national carrier is anticipated to receive
clearance to resume direct flights to European countries after obtaining
approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Source: ARY News