PIA to probe in-flight harassment

Air hostess accuses woman manager of insulting behaviour

Officials at the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have formed an investigation committee over a complaint by an air hostess alleging that a woman officer harassed her during a flight.

According to Express News, an air hostess sent an email to the concerned department making 'serious allegations' against the manager of the grooming department at PIA.

The report stated that the incident of alleged harassment by the officer took place on the flight from Karachi to Toronto. A three-member committee headed by the deputy general manager (DGM) for security has been constituted to investigate the incident.

The report stated that other members of the committee include a woman assistant manager and the in-charge SEC Jinnah International.

In the email sent by the victim, it was stated that the officer had abused and insulted her. The email stated that the manager threatened the air hostess with negative review on her annual compliance reporting (ACR). The air hostess stated that the manager threatened to ground her by sending her to the training centre as punishment.

The manager also criticised the air hostess on her uniform in front of the passengers and crew. It added that the officer did not say anything to the "grooming violations" of the manager's sister, who was an air hostess on the same flight.

Apart from this, the report stated that another air hostess has also submitted similar complaints against the woman officer, after which the committee has summoned the woman officer's sister as well. The CAA has also asked the involved woman officer not to be appointed to any important post for five years.

The spokesperson of the state airline also confirmed that a committee had been formed to investigate the matter. It is expected to submit the report on March 29.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 27^th, 2023.