Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has banned the cockpit crew from working while fasting. The decision has been taken on medical grounds. The airline says the crew who do not want to skip fasting will be given the required leave.
The spokesperson of the national-flag carrier says the orders have been issued according to international laws. The captains fasting may avail leaves instead of operating flights. The decision has been taken to ensure the safety and security of the passengers.
#PIA Bans Pilots and Cabin Crew From Fasting in #Ramadan pic.twitter.com/IPEIYHUzuJ
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“Focusing on specific human issues such as diet and its relationship to flight performance could help reduce the rate of pilot errors and accidents. Proper nutrition is essential to meet the physiological demands of flying,” said the PIA circular.
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“Hence, keeping in mind the aforementioned factors of fatigue, performance deterioration, and the lives of innocent people it is advised the pilots should refrain from fasting during the month of Ramadan or otherwise when they are on flying duties. If someone feels that he/she cannot leave fast then he/she should apply for leave during such period,” it said.
Preventing tragic incidents
Medical research shows that prolonged hours of hunger reduce the glucose level in the blood affecting the health of the person and cognitive function. This hinders him/her to perform tasks effectively and consciously hence the cockpit is allowed to take leaves if they do not wish to skip their fasts in Ramadan.
The instructions have been issued to subvert any tragic incident. Back in 2020, a PIA flight from Lahore to Karachi carrying 198 passengers crashed a few minutes before landing on the last Friday of Ramazan.
According to the aviation experts, this is an international law and hence should be applicable in Pakistan as well. Earlier, Emirates and PIA had abstained from banning their cockpit crew from fasting during flight operations.