KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), already facing a financial crisis, is now confronting additional financial pressure from its own department and other regulatory authorities. In the latest development, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has imposed a fine of more than Rs10 million on the national flag carrier over inadequate passenger services and delays in baggage delivery.
What led to the fine?
According to sources, the penalty was imposed after passengers were not provided with their baggage in a timely manner after landing.
The PAA issued a formal directive to PIA, setting September 25 as the deadline for payment of the full amount. However, sources said the airline failed to pay the fine within the stipulated period despite the warning.
PIA has primarily been facing such penalties due to ground-handling issues and operational lapses.
How much was PIA fined at different airports?
According to details, the largest portion of the financial penalty was imposed at the airport in the federal capital.
Islamabad Airport: PIA was fined more than Rs7 million.
Lahore Airport: A fine of Rs1.485 million was imposed at Allama Iqbal International Airport.
PIA says the problem lies with the airport system
On the other hand, PIA management has attributed the situation to what it described as inadequate arrangements at the Pakistan Airports Authority.
PIA General Manager Traffic Tariq Majeed said the condition of conveyor belts and scanners at Islamabad Airport was not satisfactory, resulting in delays in bringing passengers’ baggage out of the baggage area.
He further explained that several flights sometimes land at the airport at the same time, while the PAA does not have sufficient operational capacity to handle such a heavy influx simultaneously. This, he said, contributes to delays and other baggage-handling problems.
PIA spokesperson responds
PIA spokesperson Abdullah Khan said that the imposition of such fines was a routine matter and that similar penalties were also imposed on other airlines.
He added that PIA management was in discussions with officials of the Pakistan Airports Authority to seek a reduction in the fine or have it withdrawn altogether.
