LAHORE – The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has raised serious concerns over the frequent flight cancellations and delays in Pakistan, emphasizing the urgent need for airlines to prioritize domestic air travel alongside international operations.
LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol, Senior Vice President Tanzeer Ahmed Sheikh, and Vice President Khurram Lodhi warned that domestic routes are being neglected, even though they play a critical role in supporting business connectivity, regional trade, and economic activity.
According to the chamber, most airlines focus heavily on international flights due to higher profitability, leaving domestic services underdeveloped. This neglect often results in canceled flights without valid reasons or prolonged delays, causing major inconveniences for traders, investors, and business professionals who rely on timely air travel for meetings, contracts, and shipments.
“Disruptions in domestic air travel not only trouble passengers but also hurt businesses, delay deliveries, and reduce investor confidence,” LCCI officials said. They stressed that reliable, frequent, and on-time domestic flights are vital for connecting key economic centers like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad, and Peshawar. Increasing counters and service facilities for domestic travelers is also necessary, they added.
The chamber highlighted that a strong domestic aviation network is crucial for provincial trade, industrial supply chains, SMEs, and regional economic integration. Ignoring this sector, they said, undermines Pakistan’s internal economic strength. Countries with robust domestic air connectivity often experience faster growth, higher industrial output, and stronger foreign investment.
LCCI urged the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to intervene immediately and direct airlines to give domestic routes the same importance, investment, and service quality as international flights. They recommended a minimum guaranteed frequency of flights on major routes and proper compensation or alternative arrangements for passengers affected by cancellations or delays.
Finally, LCCI called for comprehensive reforms to modernize domestic aviation infrastructure, enhance competition, and improve service standards. While international routes are important for revenue, neglecting domestic flights could have long-term negative impacts on Pakistan’s economy, they warned. Treating domestic air travel as a strategic national asset, rather than a secondary business segment, is essential for sustainable growth.
