PAKISTAN: In a recent move, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has instructed its pilots and flight attendants to refrain from fasting on flight duties during Ramzan.
The decision, backed by medical advice highlighting risks such as dehydration, fatigue, and impaired judgment, has received endorsement from the corporate safety management and aircrew medical centre.
According to an official statement, the airline’s top management has promptly issued compliance orders to ensure adherence to the directive. The decision reflects the airline’s recognition of the adverse effects fasting can have on individuals, particularly in demanding operational environments.
This decision was taken following an investigation into the tragic crash of a PIA Airbus flight near Karachi airport, which claimed 101 lives. The probe found human errors, including lapses in judgment by the two pilots during the landing, as primary factors of tragic crash, resulting in the loss of lives in which only two passengers survived in the ordeal.
Additionally, the report highlighted the absence of clear guidelines regarding fasting for pilots during Ramzan while on duty, placing accountability on both PIA and the civil aviation authority.
In response to the findings, PIA management has clarified that pilots and crew members observing fasts will be prohibited from boarding flights. This measure underscores the airline’s commitment to prioritising passenger safety and operational efficiency, especially during significant religious observances like Ramzan.
The initiative of PIA endeavours to enhance safety measures and operational protocols, the directive serves as a proactive step towards ensuring the well-being of both crew members and passengers, while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and safety in aviation.
