The government has imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on Turkish Airlines for violating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) designed to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in its flights.
The airline has been asked to bear the cost of corona test and quarantine, as well as the travel expenses of a stranded Pakistani passenger to Lahore.
Pakistan Civil Aviation (CAA) directed Turkish Airlines to complete the report and submit it to CAA Karachi within a week of the issuance of the letter.
It may be noted that this is the second incident in which an international airline carrying Pakistani passengers has violated SOPs.
Further, all airlines involved in the movement of passengers to and from Pakistan have been directed to ensure strict implementation of government guidelines and proof of negative RT-PCR test must be taken from passengers from B-category countries. And if the test is not more than 96 hours old, the airline will not issue a boarding pass to those who cannot provide it.
In the letter issued by Civil Aviation, expressing serious concerns, it was said that the passenger Mohammad Ashfaq B-Category of Turkish Airlines went to Istanbul from Mali and from there he was supposed to reach Lahore on October 15, but he had RT. – There was no evidence of a negative PCR test even though the CAA had issued a warning on October 13 not to carry such passengers.
The letter further stated that the Pakistani passenger was left stranded at the Istanbul airport since October 15 without informing the CAA.
Moreover, the Pakistani ambassador in Turkey brought the matter to the attention of the authorities, after which a fine was imposed on the Turkish airline. has been directed.
The letter further said that the passenger should be seated in the last empty seat of the plane and transferred to Lahore and during this time he should not have any contact with other passengers in the flight.
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Turkish Airlines AIUTO
**Short Interview with Travel Industry Expert on Turkish Airlines and COVID-19 Compliance**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today. Recent news has emerged that the Indian government has imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on Turkish Airlines for not adhering to Standard Operating Procedures aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19. What are your thoughts on this development?
**Expert:** Thank you for having me. This situation underscores the importance of strict compliance with health and safety protocols, especially in the aviation industry. Airlines have a crucial role in safeguarding public health during this pandemic, so any failure to adhere to these guidelines is taken seriously.
**Interviewer:** The fine also includes a requirement for the airline to cover the costs of corona tests and quarantine for the affected passengers. How significant is this in terms of operational impact and customer trust?
**Expert:** It’s quite significant. Covering the costs for tests and quarantine can put a financial strain on airlines already struggling post-COVID. Furthermore, this could lead to diminished customer trust. Passengers need to feel confident that airlines are taking the necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
**Interviewer:** Turkish Airlines has made a statement of compliance with sustainability principles. Do you think this compliance with sustainability efforts can coexist with stringent health measures?
**Expert:** Absolutely. Sustainability and health compliance can and should go hand in hand. An airline can implement sustainable practices while also ensuring the safety of their passengers. In fact, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability can enhance their reputation, provided they also maintain high health standards.
**Interviewer:** What measures do you think airlines should take to prevent similar incidents in the future?
**Expert:** Airlines should invest in rigorous training for their staff regarding health protocols, alongside regular audits to ensure compliance. Additionally, transparent communication with passengers about the measures in place will help build trust and foster a safer flying environment.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights! It truly highlights the balance airlines must maintain between sustainability, operational efficiency, and passenger safety.
**Expert:** Thank you. It’s a complex landscape, but with the right approaches, airlines can navigate these challenges successfully.
