Airblue’s responsibility

LAHORE: It was the sole responsibility of Airblue to transport the next of kin to the unfortunate site where their dear ones died for no fault of theirs. In any other country, the state would have ensured that the airline operate a special relief flight to take all the victims, provide them with hotel, food and transport etc. When the unfortunate Kathmandu crash occured, PIA operated a special relief flight to take next of kin to Nepal, and provided them boarding and lodging on airline expense.

The Airblue chief should be aware of this because he has also served as head of PIA. Airblue will be compensated for its loss of aircraft by insurance. Business ethics demanded of him to behave in a more humane manner. There are numerous private airlines, including low cost airlines which provide these facilities in case of an air crash. The CAA and the government should step in and ensure that the airline meets the contractual obligations to its now-dead passengers.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 2^nd, 2010.