PIA Sets Age Limit for Cabin Crew on International Routes Following Flight Attendants’ Disappearances in Canada

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), following recent incidents involving the disappearance of flight attendants in Canada, has implemented a new age restriction policy for its cabin crew on certain international flights. The airline confirmed that only flight attendants aged 50 years and older will be permitted to work on flights to Canada and other international routes. This decision was made to mitigate the risk of flight attendants leaving their jobs for better opportunities in these countries.

This policy change comes in response to incidents where a total of four senior flight attendants from PIA disappeared in Canada shortly after their flights from Islamabad landed in Toronto. Specifically, on November 10, two stewards assigned to a PIA flight vanished after arrival in Canada.

The incident, along with similar occurrences in the past year, where four PIA crew members also disappeared in Canada, prompted the airline to impose stricter controls on cabin crew travel to Canada and Europe. The aim is to reduce the likelihood of staff, particularly older flight attendants, being enticed by better job prospects in these regions​.
​​​​
The new policy reflects PIA’s approach to addressing the challenges it faces in retaining its crew members on international routes. By restricting crew members to those over 50, PIA likely anticipates that more experienced and potentially more settled employees will be less inclined to leave their positions while abroad. This strategy underscores the airline’s commitment to maintaining reliable and uninterrupted service on its international routes.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, dawn.com, travel.economictimes.indiatimes.com