THIS is with reference to the news report ‘CAA asks airlines to crack down on ‘rampant’ violation of no-smoking rule by crew’ (March 9). I wish our airline staff, who smoke inside the plane, realise that they are not only endangering their own lives but also jeopardising the health of passengers, as passive smoking is a proven risk factor for lung cancer, heart attacks and 20 other fatal diseases.

While I appreciate the Civil Aviation Authority for issuing the warning to crew members, I would like to request it to take similar measures in and around the airports as well.

As a frequent traveller, I have noticed that toilets at the airports are always full of cigarette smoke. I have lodged complaints with the CAA staff several times but to no avail.

As smoking is banned at airports globally, it is the need of the hour that the CAA took appropriate steps at our airports, making them safer places for everyone.

Prof Javaid Khan

Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 16th, 2018