The 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 citing shortcomings in passenger services, particularly delayed handling and delivery of luggage.

Deadline missed despite warning

PIA was directed to pay the full amount by September 25, but the airline failed to clear the penalty by the deadline. Instead, it has been holding discussions with the authority in an attempt to have the fine reduced or waived altogether, despite having already been warned several times over passenger-service issues.

According to documents, PIA was fined more than Rs7 million at Islamabad Airport, while a penalty of Rs1.485 million was imposed at Lahore Airport. Authorities have attributed the penalties to operational irregularities and delays in ground handling, especially in baggage processing.

PIA blames airport authority

PIA spokesperson Abdullah Khan said limitations in the airport authority's operational capacity were affecting the timely delivery of passengers' luggage. He described the penalties as part of routine regulatory procedure, noting other airlines face similar fines, and confirmed that PIA is in talks with the PAA to have the penalty reduced or waived.

The episode adds to ongoing concerns over ground-handling operations and baggage delays at major Pakistani airports.