January 25, 2023 (MLN): Air cargo agents in Pakistan have alerted the government that all export cargoes by air may come to a halt, as foreign airlines are reportedly considering stopping their services to the country due to a lack of dollar availability.
The situation has arisen as banks have stopped remitting freight charges to foreign airlines for more than the past three months, which has caused the airlines to experience financial difficulties.
The agents have urged the government to take immediate action to address the issue, warning that if the situation is not resolved, it could have a severe impact on the country’s export industry.
In a letter to Federal Minister of Commerce Syed Naveed Qamar, and Federal Minister of Aviation Khawaja Saad Rafique, the Air Cargo Agents Association of Pakistan (ACAAP) on behalf of all Air Cargo Agents & Freight Forwarders of Pakistan warned about the alarming situation of Pakistan Air Export.
“In case immediate action is not taken all export cargoes by air could come to a halt, as all foreign Airlines are considering stopping their services for Pakistan after banks stopped remitting freight charges to them for lack of dollar availability for more than past three months,” the letter read.
Apart from passenger transportation from all major international Airports in Pakistan, the air cargo services are used for Exporting high revenue exotic Seafood, Meat, Fruits & Vegetables, Quality Textiles products, Leather goods, Sports & Surgical products, etc, it said.
Due to sanctions, and the lack of availability of destinations and facilities on the flag carrier PIA, these foreign Airlines uplift more than 85% of export cargo to all international destinations and contribute millions of Dollars in earnings to National Exchequer, it highlighted.
The association further warned that any further disruption could create serious issues for the country’s international trade.
