TUNISI (TUNISIA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – President Kais Saied met with Minister of Transport Rachid Amri and acting Director-General of Tunisair Halima Khouaja to address the worsening state of the national airline. During the meeting, Saied emphasized the need for immediate measures to overhaul Tunisair at all levels, as its current condition is deemed unacceptable.
The President pointed out significant issues with both the quality of services onboard and the airline’s failure to adhere to scheduled takeoffs and landings. According to a statement from the Presidency, Saied highlighted that improvements in services are well within reach, but substantial changes are needed to restore the airline’s reputation.
A major concern raised by Saied was the dramatic decline of the airline’s fleet, which once boasted 24 aircraft, but now operates with only 10. Additionally, he noted the severe delays in technical inspections, which, under normal circumstances, should take no more than 10 days. However, these inspections have extended to over 123 days in Tunisia, resulting in losses amounting to tens of billions of dinars—funds that could have been better invested in acquiring new aircraft.
Saied also criticized the practice of hiring personnel based on loyalty and favoritism, despite a clear lack of need for additional staff. He described this as a wasteful practice that has contributed to the airline’s financial instability.
In his remarks, the President emphasized that Tunisair, along with Tunis-Carthage International Airport, will not be abandoned.
Highlighting the strategic location of Tunis-Carthage Airport, Saied noted that it holds unique advantages not found in many other airports. He stressed the potential for expanding the airport’s capacity to improve Tunisia’s aviation infrastructure.
Saied concluded by directing officials to develop a comprehensive rescue plan aimed at restoring Tunisair’s prestige and ensuring the airline’s future success.
-Foto IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).
