*ISLAMABAD * – Pakistani airlines may face heavy fines over frequent delaysin Umrah flights, according to a warning issued by the Saudi GeneralAuthority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Director General of PakistanCivil Aviation Authority (CAA), GACA expressed serious concern over thepoor on-time performance of Pakistani carriers operating Umrah flights.On-Time Performance Below International Standards
According to international aviation standards, airlines are required tomaintain an *on-time arrival rate of at least 80 percent*. However, datashared in the letter shows that Pakistani airlines are falling well shortof this benchmark, with on-time rates ranging from *just 37 to 69 percent*.
The performance figures cited in the letter are as follows:
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*Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)* – 69% –
*AirBlue* – 65% –
*AirSial* – 46% –
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*Fly Jinnah* – 43% –
*SereneAir* – 37%
Saudi Warning of Possible Fines
The letter warned that if Pakistani airlines fail to immediately addressthe issue, Saudi authorities may impose fines and penalties. The poorpunctuality rates are causing inconvenience for thousands of Umrahpilgrims, putting additional pressure on Pakistani carriers alreadystruggling with operational and financial challenges.Call for Urgent Action
The President of Saudi GACA emphasized the need for urgent correctivemeasures, noting that delays not only affect passenger convenience but alsodisrupt the overall flight schedule management in Saudi Arabia.
Pakistani airlines have long faced criticism for frequent delays, and thislatest warning from Saudi authorities highlights the urgent need forreforms in flight operations and management.