PIA suspends air hostess for smuggling smartphones

LAHORE: A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) air hostess was suspended after customs officials at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport discovered high-end smartphones in her possession during routine checks upon arrival from Abu Dhabi. 

This was the 8th PIA official who was dismissed for smuggling smartphones during the last three days.

According to a PIA spokesperson, the airline’s management immediately issued a show-cause notice and initiated departmental proceedings against the accused air hostess, Asma Shaukat. “Strict disciplinary action will follow if the allegations are proven, in line with the airline’s policies,” he added.

In the suspension letter, the PIA management alleged that “upon arrival of flight PK-264 (AUH-LHE) dated 25.01.2025 at Lahore Airport, Custom Authorities recovered number of expensive mobile phones from you [Asma].”

The management accused her of misconduct under Clause 55, 32, 25 & 40 of PIA Employees Disciplinary Policy (EDP) of 2019 Appendix-C.

Earlier, on Friday, PIA suspended all the cabin crew after customs officials at Multan Airport found smartphones in their possession.

Customs officials had recovered 78 high-value mobile phones, including 54 iPhones, worth millions of rupees from the crew.

Similarly, on Thursday, PIA terminated two of its employees over cellphone smuggling charges.

The PIA spokesperson reiterated that the airline does not condone any misconduct by its employees and will ensure adherence to regulations at all levels. The investigation into the incident is currently underway.   

He also said that the CEO of PIA had already directed a crackdown on illegal activities by staff and has now reinforced these directives, emphasizing zero tolerance for violations.