Senior Faisalabad airport official accused of violating CAA protocol.

RAWALPINDI -- The manager of Faisalabad International Airport has complained that the chief security officer (CSO) and his inspector violated Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)'s protocol when they allegedly entered the air traffic control (ATC) without permission.

The chief security officer (CSO), his armed guards and an inspector entered the ATC tower at about 12:15am on July 14 without authorisation, he said in a letter to the CAA.

The CAA has ordered an investigation into the allegation by the airport manager.

Irfan Mohyuddin, the airport manager, in his letter, available with Dawn, alleged that the CSO interfered in duty matters 'with immensely arrogant behaviour and got into unnecessary arguments with the duty air traffic control officer (DATCO) that instigated an undue uproar.'

The air traffic control is well recognised as one of the most stressful jobs, requiring total concentration, peace of mind and a genial working environment. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) demands to ensure effective control of entry into all areas where air traffic control (ATC) operations are conducted, the letter added.

'The conduct of unauthorised access to the ATC tower is a vibrant breach of ICAO's standard and station air traffic instructions, consequentially, it can compromise the flight safety,' said the airport manager.

Furthermore, the CSO of the airport is interfering with the work of other functionaries and the CAA, which are specialised responsibilities that neither a security officer can perform nor is required.

'It only creates hindrance in smooth airport operation/passenger facilitation.'

The manager observed that the CSO frequently visits the terminal building along with his personal...