Concerns over Karachi airport's failure to meet global cleanliness standards

Neglect and poor maintenance tarnish the image of Karachi's Jinnah International Airport.

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The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Officers Association has raised concerns about 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 the Director General of Civil Aviation, the association pointed out the lack of proper upkeep at the airport, including over 100 neglected trees that have withered due to mismanagement, Express News reported.

The letter also highlighted piles of garbage in the airport's parking areas, despite contractors being paid millions for maintenance.

"Despite significant expenditures, the airport fails to meet international cleanliness standards, tarnishing the image of the Airports Authority," the letter stated.

The association also pointed to stains from chewing tobacco on airport premises, further underscoring the neglect in cleanliness protocols.

Passengers arriving from domestic and international destinations have frequently raised complaints about the poor state of facilities, including unclean restrooms, the letter added.

The association called for immediate action to address these issues and restore the airport’s reputation.

A copy of the letter was sent to top officials of the CAA 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 initially confined to the tarmac and general aviation areas. However, their presence has expanded to critical passenger zones, raising serious safety concerns, Express News reported.

Passengers have reported incidents of dogs attacking vehicles and creating chaos near the terminal.

“The situation worsens at night when the internal parking lot becomes a haven for stray dogs,” an airport official stated.

Karachi Airport Authority has reportedly reached out to Edhi officials for assistance 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 inadequate, leaving travellers increasingly frustrated. Airport officials are being urged to take immediate and effective measures to resolve the crisis.