The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Officers Association has raised concerns over poor cleanliness and maintenance at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, calling it a breach of international standards.
In a letter addressed to the Director General of Pakistan Airports Authority and Director General of Civil Aviation, the association pointed out the lack of proper maintenance at the airport, including over 100 neglected trees that have withered due to mismanagement, Express News reported.
The letter also highlighted piles of rubbish in the airport’s parking areas, despite contractors being paid millions for maintenance.
“Despite considerable expenditure, the airport fails to meet international standards of cleanliness and tarnish the image of the airport authority,” the letter said.
The association also pointed to stains from chewing tobacco on airport premises, further underscoring the neglect of cleanliness protocols.
Passengers arriving from domestic and international destinations have often raised complaints about the poor state of facilities, including unclean toilets, the letter added.
The association called for immediate action to tackle these problems and restore the airport’s reputation.
A copy of the letter was sent to top CAA officials for further review.
Moreover, Jinnah International Airport is also grappling with an escalating stray dog problem, with reports of dogs now roaming near the airport’s main entrances, exits and parking areas.
According to sources, stray dogs were originally confined to tarmac and general aviation areas. However, their presence has extended to critical passenger zones, raising serious security concerns, Express News reported.
Passengers have reported incidents of dogs attacking vehicles and causing mayhem near the terminal.
“The situation worsens at night when the internal car park becomes a haven for stray dogs,” says an airport employee.
The Karachi Airport Authority has reportedly reached out to EDHI officials for help in controlling the issue.
The presence of stray dogs on airport premises violates international civil aviation safety standards, potentially endangering flight operations and passenger safety.
Efforts to curb the problem have so far been insufficient, leaving travelers increasingly frustrated. Airport officials are urged to take immediate and effective measures to resolve the crisis.
