For the first time in Pakistan’s aviation industry, an all-female ground crew expertly managed the complete ground operations of an international flight at Karachi Airport.
From safely parking the aircraft after landing to connecting the aerobridge for passenger disembarkation and ensuring luggage reached the lounge, the all-women team flawlessly handled every aspect of the operation.
This achievement marks a breakthrough in a traditionally male-dominated profession, proving that women are equally capable of excelling in technical aviation roles.
Aviation Industry Hails a Landmark Shift
A private ground handling company, responsible for assisting airlines, celebrated this event as more than a routine operation. They described it as a significant shift in Pakistan’s workforce, where women are breaking barriers in aviation.
From Boarding to Pushback – Women in Charge
The all-female crew efficiently completed:
- Issuing boarding passes for departing passengers
- Baggage loading onto the aircraft
- Refueling and aircraft preparation for departure
- Executing the critical pushback operation, using a tug master to guide the aircraft from the apron to the taxiway
The pushback maneuver, one of the most technical aspects of ground operations, was expertly performed by a female operator—a first in Pakistan’s history.
This milestone coincided with International Women’s Day, with Sri Lankan Airlines operating the Karachi flight with an all-female cockpit and cabin crew. The successful ground handling further highlighted women’s growing presence in aviation.
With this achievement, Pakistan becomes the first South Asian country to have women leading flight operations from the cockpit to ground handling, a domain previously exclusive to men.
