LAHORE – Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has imposed fines of more than Rs10 million on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) over delays in delivering passengers’ baggage after flights arrived.
The PAA issued a formal penalty order against the national carrier over shortcomings in passenger services, particularly the delayed handling and delivery of luggage.
PIA was directed to pay the full amount by September 25. However, the airline did not clear the penalties by the deadline and has instead been holding discussions with the authority to seek a reduction or waiver.
The documents, as per report, showed that PIA was fined more than Rs7 million at Islamabad airport, while a penalty of Rs1.485 million was imposed at Lahore airport.
The airline has previously been warned several times over passenger-service issues. Authorities have attributed the penalties to operational irregularities and delays in ground handling, particularly baggage processing.
PIA officials, however, have disputed responsibility for the delays and blamed infrastructure and operational shortcomings at airports.
PIA General Manager Traffic Tariq Majid said inadequate conveyor belt and scanning facilities at Islamabad airport contributed to delays in baggage delivery. He added that simultaneous arrivals of multiple flights also created additional pressure on the baggage-handling system.
PIA spokesperson Abdullah Khan said limitations in the airport authority’s operational capacity affected the timely delivery of passengers’ luggage.
He described such penalties as part of routine regulatory procedures, saying other airlines were also fined for similar issues.
The spokesperson added that PIA was in discussions with the Pakistan Airports Authority to have the penalties reduced or waived.
The latest penalties come amid continued concerns over passenger services and ground-handling operations at major Pakistani airports, with baggage delays remaining a recurring issue for travellers.
