The Pakistan Airports Authority (PIA) has imposed a fine of more than Rs10 million on Pakistan International Airlines for providing inadequate services to passengers, with the airline missing a Sept 25 payment deadline despite repeated warnings.
According to documents, the authority issued the penalty order after passengers experienced delays in baggage delivery following flight arrivals. PIA was directed to pay the fine in full by Sept 25, but it failed to comply and has instead sought to have the amount reduced or waived.
The fine comprises more than Rs7 million imposed at Islamabad Airport and Rs1.485 million at Lahore Airport.
PIA officials, however, have attributed the baggage delays to the Pakistan Airports Authority. According to the GM Traffic, delays at Islamabad Airport occur due to inadequate conveyor belts and scanners, compounded by the simultaneous landing of multiple flights.
A PIA spokesperson said the authority’s limited operational capacity affects timely baggage delivery and described such fines as routine, noting that other airlines are also penalised. The spokesperson added that talks are underway with the Pakistan Airports Authority to have the fine reduced or withdrawn.
Days earlier, the Pakistan Airports Authority had fined eight airlines a combined Rs1.62 million over 19 recorded cases of delayed baggage delivery between July 1 and August 15.
The regulator said the penalties were imposed after passengers faced repeated delays in receiving their baggage at national airports and directed all airlines to comply with established service standards.
