The Pakistan International Airlines Cabin Crew Association (PICA) has warned it will approach the court if aviation authorities fail to resolve a dispute over crew rest regulations, citing serious safety concerns for both cabin crew and passengers.
According to media reports, in a letter addressed to the PIA chief executive officer (CEO), PICA raised alarm over what it described as negligence regarding international aviation regulations.
The association pointed to contradictory instructions issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) within a single day.
The first letter made double rest mandatory for crew after 12 flying hours, while a second letter deferred enforcement of the same rest requirement, creating confusion among cabin crew regarding applicable rules.
PICA cautioned that denying crew adequate rest could lead to serious incidents, warning that fatigue among cabin staff poses a direct risk to flight safety.
The association also referenced a recent incident involving a Jeddah-bound flight, during which an emergency door slide was accidentally deployed.
PICA said the episode raised serious questions about the fitness and preparedness of PIA cabin crew, and linked it to the broader concerns over inadequate rest periods.
Calling on relevant authorities to examine the matter thoroughly, PICA demanded a proper investigation into the conflicting CAA directives.
The association warned that it would pursue legal recourse if the issue is not addressed, stressing that the safety of cabin crew and passengers cannot be compromised.
