ISLAMABAD: The PIA management on Saturday said it had taken a serious note of the warning issued by the Border Force at the Heathrow Airport, London, to its cabin crew for allegedly violating the laws of the United Kingdom.

“The behaviour of the cabin crew tarnished the image of the national flag carrier and the country,” said a statement issued by the management of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

The UK Border Force at the Heathrow Airport alleged that some PIA cabin crew members were involved in carrying restricted items or goods in excess of their duty-free personal allowances out of the UK.

Earlier, the Heathrow airport had issued a yellow card (warning) to the PIA for allegedly violating the laws of the United Kingdom. At an airport, an airline can be placed in any of the three categories: green (satisfactory), yellow (warning) and red (stop operating).

As the UK warned that violations would not be tolerated in future, the PIA launched an inquiry into the incident. The airline said once the facts were established, the ‘culprits’ would be punished in an exemplary manner, adding the PIA would show zero tolerance in the matter.

National flag carrier was issued warning by the United Kingdom aviation authority

“This could also lead to the termination of services of any crew member involved in the violation of laws.”

A PIA official said the prime minister had also expressed displeasure over the incident and asked for action against the guilty cabin crew members.

The PIA management is considering adopting additional measures that would put in place a strict process of crew screening at all points in Pakistan and abroad from where the airline operates.

The airline has instantly refreshed all previous instructions and protocol for crew who are embarking and disembarking international airports.

When asked to comment on the incident, PIA spokesman Hanif Rana said the government and the PIA authorities were fully cognizant of what had been reported in the media and were taking necessary steps.

He said on the directions of the PIA chairman, a person involved in the incident had already been dismissed from service. Instructions to lodge an FIR against him have been issued. The matter is still being investigated, he added.

“No laxity will be observed by PIA at any cost and stringent measures will be taken against any personnel violating the laws of the land where PIA operates.”

Published in Dawn, March 29th, 2015

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