Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority takes notice of flight cancellation by foreign airlines

Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) on Friday took notice of flight cancellation by foreign airlines in recent weeks, causing inconvenience to passengers.

The foreign airlines issued notices included, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airline, Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways and Fly Dubai, said a news release issued here.

A huge number of passengers were issued confirmed tickets that have been affected by flight cancellations causing unrest and inconvenience.

It is worth stressing that such reservations should have been made after confirmation of lifting of restrictions only.

A substantial number of the affected passengers have been facing great nuisance and financial losses whether it be hotel accommodation or living expenses as they had planned their departure from foreign countries to Pakistan as per their reserved/confirmed flight departure date.

The authority has directed above mentioned international airlines to accommodate the affected passengers at the earliest possible flights of the same airline or other airlines for travel to Pakistan.

It has been directed that hotel accommodation as and when required by such passengers should be provided, especially to passengers who do not have own accommodation.

Moreover, airlines have been directed to accommodate passengers who choose to get ticket refunds which shall be 100% of the amount paid to airline in addition to the payment of compensation for the damage suffered by them.

Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority has raised serious concern on irresponsible statements of the airline representatives for putting the blame of flight cancellation on PCAA.

It is highlighted that airlines took reservations without the confirmation of lifting of the inbound international flight operation restriction.

The Authority has directed the airlines to submit Compliance report of the same, failing which PCAA reserves the right to initiate regulatory action in the form of financial penalty, cancellation of one or more flights and revocation of scheduled authorization against the airlines.