How safe is air-travel in Pakistan?

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Concerns over Karachi airport's failure to meet global cleanliness standards​

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Officers Association has raised concerns about poor cleanliness and maintenance at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport, calling it a breach of international standards.

In a letter addressed to the Director General of Pakistan Airports Authority and the Director General of Civil Aviation, the association pointed out the lack of proper upkeep at the airport, including over 100 neglected trees that have withered due to mismanagement, Express News reported.

The letter also highlighted piles of garbage in the airport's parking areas, despite contractors being paid millions for maintenance.

"Despite significant expenditures, the airport fails to meet international cleanliness standards, tarnishing the image of the Airports Authority," the letter stated.

The association also pointed to stains from chewing tobacco on airport premises, further underscoring the neglect in cleanliness protocols.

Passengers arriving from domestic and international destinations have frequently raised complaints about the poor state of facilities, including unclean restrooms, the letter added.

The association called for immediate action to address these issues and restore the airport’s reputation.

A copy of the letter was sent to top officials of the CAA for further review.

Moreover, Jinnah International Airport is also grappling with an escalating stray dog problem, with reports of dogs now roaming near the airport’s main entrances, exits, and parking areas.

According to sources, stray dogs were initially confined to the tarmac and general aviation areas. However, their presence has expanded to critical passenger zones, raising serious safety concerns, Express News reported.

Passengers have reported incidents of dogs attacking vehicles and creating chaos near the terminal.

“The situation worsens at night when the internal parking lot becomes a haven for stray dogs,” an airport official stated.

Karachi Airport Authority has reportedly reached out to Edhi officials for assistance in controlling the issue.

The presence of stray dogs on airport premises violates international civil aviation safety standards, potentially endangering flight operations and passenger safety.

Efforts to curb the problem have so far been inadequate, leaving travellers increasingly frustrated. Airport officials are being urged to take immediate and effective measures to resolve the crisis.

Karachi airport cleanliness criticised for breaching global standards | The Express Tribune

Neglect and poor maintenance tarnish the image of Karachi's Jinnah airport.

tribune.com.pk

 

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Karachi airport runway upgraded for larger aircraft landings​

Karachi Airport authorities are accelerating the upgrade of runway 07L, set to be classified under category 4F, allowing it to accommodate the world’s largest aircraft.

The upgrade will enable the landing of Airbus A380 aircraft, which has a capacity of 600 passengers.

The construction work for the new runway is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, according to airport officials.

The new runway is being built by demolishing the old one, and the project aims to enhance the airport's ability to handle larger, long-haul flights.

Several international airlines, including Emirates, have expressed interest in using the upgraded runway to land their large aircraft.

The new runway will significantly increase Karachi’s capacity to handle high-capacity flights, boosting its potential as a major international air hub.

Karachi airport's runway upgraded for large aircraft landings | The Express Tribune

Karachi airport's upgraded runway will accommodate Airbus A380, improving capacity for large aircraft landings.

tribune.com.pk

 

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New Saudi airlines start flight operations in Pakistan
According to a PAA spokesperson, the first Flyadeal flight, F3 166, arrived in Karachi from Saudi Arabia at 8:04 a.m, according to the PIA spokesperson.

The aircraft was given a water salute upon arrival at Jinnah International Airport.

It is important to note that in November 2024, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) granted Flyadeal permission to operate air services in Pakistan.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) granted Flyadeal approval for air operations in Pakistan upon its initial request.

The Flyadeal airline will operate flights from Riyadh to Karachi, with additional flights between Karachi, Riyadh, and Jeddah.

Sources from the airline suggest that this new airline will provide passengers with direct travel options, enhancing convenience for travelers between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

In August 2024, Saudi Arabia’s national airline once again topped the international rankings for punctuality, according to Cirium’s July 2024 report.

With an impressive on-time arrival rate of 88.12% and departure rate of 88.15%, Saudia has solidified its position as a leader in the aviation industry.

The airline’s remarkable performance is a testament to its commitment to excellence, having managed 16,503 flights across its extensive network spanning four continents and over 100 destinations.

Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia plans to enhance its fleet with 103 new aircraft, part of its broader strategy to increase seating capacity, extend its reach to additional global destinations, and support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

This expansion will enable Saudia to connect the Kingdom with the world, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange.

As a member of the SkyTeam alliance since 2012, Saudi airline has established itself as a key player in the global aviation industry.

In addition to its scheduled services, Saudia provides charter services during the Ramadan and Hajj seasons, catering to passengers across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.

New Saudi airlines start flight operations in Pakistan

KARACHI: Saudi Arabia’s new airline, Flyadeal, has commenced its flight operations to Pakistan, ARY News reported. According to a PAA spokesperson, the

arynews.tv