The recent communication purportedly from the Aircraft Owners and Operators Association (AOOA) has drawn strong criticism from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for its misleading content and outright lies aimed at tarnishing the authority’s leadership. The letter, filled with baseless accusations, attempts to discredit the CAA’s leadership and falsely accuses the federal and Punjab governments of colluding in a fabricated narrative.
However, the truth remains that both governments jointly approved the relocation project, with 52% ownership belonging to the CAA and 48% to the Punjab Government. The decision to relocate flying operations from Walton Aerodrome in 2021 was made by the Federal Government due to serious safety concerns, as authorized by the Civil Aviation Ordinance of 1960, prioritizing public safety.
This move was necessary to mitigate the risks posed by aviation activities near Walton Aerodrome, amidst burgeoning commercial and residential areas. Contrary to the claims in the letter, the decision to relocate Walton Aerodrome to Muridke was not the result of collusion between government officials and land mafias.
The CAA procured 480 acres of land in Muridke from the Punjab Government to establish a new General Aviation Aerodrome, which is in its final stages of completion. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority reiterates its unwavering commitment to maintaining and enhancing civil aviation safety standards. It ensures that all aspects of air travel within Pakistan adhere to the highest safety protocols, prioritizing the safety and security of passengers and aviation personnel.
