Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has begun interviews for air hostesses to be hired for its Karachi-based operations. Interviews for shortlisted candidates are underway at a local hotel, and the process is being chaired by PIA Chief Human Resources Officer Athar Hussain.
The airline has already completed interviews for air hostesses for its Lahore and Islamabad bases. The Karachi recruitment drive was announced at the start of October, seeking female candidates aged 20 to 28 for cabin crew positions. According to a PIA communique, applications were submitted online through the airline’s portal, with a deadline of October 7. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational qualification for the role.
New restrictions on cabin crew smoking and tobacco
Earlier, PIA issued a circular setting new limits on air hostesses during flight duties. Air hostesses may carry only one packet of cigarettes during flight duty, and no more than twenty cigarettes during a single flight.
Staff who break the new restrictions will face legal action, which could lead to suspension or removal from flight duties. In June, the airline had already issued a directive tightening rules on smoking and tobacco possession for cabin crew members.
Under that policy, flight attendants are barred from carrying cigarettes, cigars or other tobacco products in their personal luggage. The airline has also imposed a complete ban on smoking during flights, hotel stays and in public places while crew members are on duty.
The move is expected to create challenges for crew members who are habitual smokers, as it significantly tightens existing rules on staff conduct. PIA management has directed all crew members to comply fully, warning that any violation will lead to immediate suspension and disciplinary proceedings.
