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

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