Domestic flight operations: LCCI concerned over growing negligence

LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said that cancellations of flights and delays are causing huge loss to the businesses. All operational airlines in Pakistan to pay equal and serious attention to domestic air services alongside their international routes.

LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigal, Senior Vice President Tanzeer Ahmed Sheikh and Vice President Khuram Lodhi expressed deep concern over the growing negligence of domestic flight operations by airlines operating in Pakistan.

They said that most carriers are primarily focused on international operations, where they see higher profitability, while domestic services remain underdeveloped and underserved, despite being a lifeline for business connectivity, regional trade and economic integration.

The LCCI office-bearers said that domestic flights are often cancelled without adequate justification, or they suffer delays of several hours, a situation that has become alarmingly routine. This negligence is creating significant logistical challenges for the business community, particularly for traders, industrialists and investors who depend on punctual air travel for attending crucial meetings, negotiating contracts and ensuring timely delivery of goods and services.

“Such disruptions not only inconvenience passengers but also lead to missed business opportunities, delayed shipments, financial losses and weakened investor confidence,” they added. They said that reliable, frequent and on-time domestic flights are a fundamental requirement for sustaining economic momentum, encouraging investment and connecting key commercial hubs like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad and Peshawar. They said that number of counters should also be increased to facilitate business community.

While highlighting the strategic importance of domestic aviation, Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol, Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh and Vice President Khurram Lodhi said that a strong and reliable domestic air network is the backbone of a country’s economic system. It facilitates trade between provinces, connects industries with supply chains, supports SMEs and strengthens regional integration. Neglecting this sector is equivalent to undermining the country’s internal economic engine.

They added that countries with robust domestic air connectivity witness faster economic growth, increased industrial output and stronger foreign investment flows because businesses can operate efficiently and investors have confidence in the infrastructure supporting their ventures. Pakistan cannot afford to lag behind in this crucial sector.

The LCCI office-bearers urged the Civil Aviation Authority to take immediate notice of this concerning trend and issue clear directives to all airlines. These directives should ensure that domestic routes receive the same priority, investment and quality of service as international operations.

They suggested that the airlines should maintain minimum guaranteed frequency of flights on major domestic routes and avoid cancellations without strong operational reasons. Passengers affected by cancellations or excessive delays should be provided with adequate alternative arrangements, compensation, or refunds in line with global best practices.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025