LAHORE – Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is grappling with a dispute between its management and aircraft engineers that led to the suspension of flight operations, particularly affecting international departures.
The protest, sparked by the airline’s aircraft engineers over the conduct of the CEO, resulted in the engineers halting aircraft clearance, causing significant delays in PIA’s flight schedule.
As a result of the protest, no international flights were able to depart initially, stranding passengers, including those planning to travel to key destinations like Dammam and Jeddah.
However, the PIA administration quickly implemented alternative measures to address the situation, ensuring that flights PK 247 from Islamabad to Dammam and PK 761 from Islamabad to Jeddah were cleared and successfully departed.
The Aircraft Engineers Association has made it clear that the protest is directed at the attitude of PIA’s CEO, urging for a change in leadership approach. In response, PIA management has stated that the protest lacks legal standing and described it as an attempt to disrupt the airline’s privatization process.
A spokesperson for PIA emphasized that the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority’s Essential Services Act is in effect, making such strikes illegal. The airline has made it clear that those involved in the protest will face strict legal action. In the meantime, PIA is sourcing engineering services from other airlines to continue its operations while working to clear all pending flight clearances.
In light of the ongoing dispute, PIA management has reassured passengers that flight schedules are returning to normal. Other affected flights are being cleared gradually, and all relevant authorities are present at airports to ensure there are no further delays or disruptions.
PIA had previously attempted to privatize the airline last year, but the process fell through when bids for the airline’s 60% shares were far below expectations. Despite a proposed bid of 85 billion rupees, the government only received an offer of 10 billion rupees, which was rejected.
The airline’s management is committed to restoring normal operations as swiftly as possible while also addressing the issues raised by the engineers through legal channels.
