Karachi – The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has successfully resolved the issue of an additional ad-hoc charge imposed by a Ground Handling Agency (GHA) at international airports across the country. an official announcement said.
Following formal notice and subsequent discussions between the PAA, exporter associations, and Gerry’s Dnata Pakistan, the GHA agreed to withdraw the charge of PKR 50/kg on export cargo. Moreover, it has also consented to refund amounts collected under this levy.
The matter drew widespread concern from across Pakistan’s business community. The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) termed the additional charge “illegal and harmful” to exports, while the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) warned that the levy was placing a daily burden of approximately PKR 40 million on the national economy. The Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and the Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association (PIFFA) also raised serious alarms.
These trade bodies, alongside the Air Cargo Agents Association of Pakistan (ACAAP), formally requested the PAA to intervene. Upon review, the PAA determined that the levy was inconsistent with the contractual agreement signed with the Authority.
Following engagement with the GHA, the PAA ensured enforcement of contractual obligations through persistent follow-ups and consistently pursued the implementation of an agreed refund mechanism for affected exporters and freight agents.
The PAA reaffirms its commitment to facilitating trade, protecting exporter competitiveness, and ensuring a transparent and cost-efficient operating environment at all Pakistan airports.