Pakistan International Airlines has imposed a strict limit on the amount of cigarettes cabin crew members may carry while on flying duty, moving to tighten oversight of cross-border carriage after a reported incident on a flight from Multan to Jeddah.
One Pack, Twenty Cigarettes Under New Circular
Under a circular issued by PIA management, a cabin crew member is permitted to carry only one packet containing up to 20 cigarettes while travelling on flying duty. Carrying more than that quantity will invite action against the crew member concerned.
The airline has warned that violators could face suspension and removal from flying duties, depending on the circumstances and applicable disciplinary procedures. Relevant officials have been instructed to ensure strict compliance, and crew members are to be briefed on the restriction before departure.
Multan-Jeddah Flight Triggered Crackdown
The directive follows an incident on a PIA flight from Multan to Jeddah, according to sources, during which five cabin crew members were reportedly found carrying a large quantity of cigarette packets.
Sources said the matter has been referred to the PIA Human Resources department, where an inquiry against the five crew members is reportedly under way. Until that inquiry concludes, the allegations against the individuals remain subject to the internal investigation process.
Customs and Regulatory Dimensions
Airline cabin crew operate under specific company policies and aviation-related regulations, while international flights may also involve customs requirements concerning goods carried across borders. The new limit is intended to prevent the unauthorised transportation of larger quantities of cigarettes.
PIA management has directed its operating staff to comply with the newly issued directive and avoid carrying quantities exceeding the prescribed limit. The requirement has also been communicated through pre-flight briefings so that crew members are informed before beginning duty.
Key Points of the Directive
- Cabin crew may carry a maximum of one packet, or 20 cigarettes, during flying duty.
- Exceeding the limit will result in disciplinary action.
- Violations may lead to suspension or removal from flying duties.
- Crew members must be briefed on the restriction before departure.
- An HR inquiry is under way into the reported Multan-Jeddah incident involving five crew members.
The instruction applies specifically to cigarettes carried by cabin crew during flying duty, with the circular setting the permitted quantity at one packet or 20 cigarettes. The HR inquiry is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the cigarette packets allegedly carried by the five crew members.
