KARACHI: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Friday refused to extend the Regular Public Transport (RPT) licence of Sha­heen Air International (SAI), leading to suspension of the airline’s post-Haj operation, according to an official of SAI.

During a meeting, SAI officials asked the CAA representatives to extend its RPT licence. However, because of non-payment of dues, the CAA refused to entertain their request.

SAI director marketing Zohaib Hassan said: “RPT licence is automatically extended every quarter. However, during the meeting today, the regulator refused to extend the licence, thereby risking the journey of the pilgrims who were to fly back home with us.”

He said the CAA had assured SAI that no action would be taken during the post-Haj operation to ensure smooth management of the journey of the pilgrims who would be coming back to the country after Haj.

The court had also issued the orders to this effect.

“The CAA has again violated the honorable court’s orders,” according to a press release issued by SAI.

Shaheen Air had four A330 and two A320 planes registered on the CAA rule book which was pre-requisites for international operation as per the CAA. The suspension of licence halts the post-Haj operation of the airline.

Published in Dawn, September 1st, 2018

Opinion

Editorial

Punishing evaders
02 May, 2024

Punishing evaders

THE FBR’s decision to block mobile phone connections of more than half a million individuals who did not file...
Engaging Riyadh
Updated 02 May, 2024

Engaging Riyadh

It must be stressed that to pull in maximum foreign investment, a climate of domestic political stability is crucial.
Freedom to question
02 May, 2024

Freedom to question

WITH frequently suspended freedoms, increasing violence and few to speak out for the oppressed, it is unlikely that...
Wheat protests
Updated 01 May, 2024

Wheat protests

The government should withdraw from the wheat trade gradually, replacing the existing market support mechanism with an effective new one over the next several years.
Polio drive
01 May, 2024

Polio drive

THE year’s fourth polio drive has kicked off across Pakistan, with the aim to immunise more than 24m children ...
Workers’ struggle
Updated 01 May, 2024

Workers’ struggle

Yet the struggle to secure a living wage — and decent working conditions — for the toiling masses must continue.