KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has started restoring its flight operations after a disruption caused by a standoff with the airline’s aircraft engineers earlier this week. The airline’s management confirmed that services have resumed through alternative arrangements, with key international routes back in operation.
Flights PK-245 from Islamabad to Dammam and PK-761 from Islamabad to Jeddah departed on schedule Tuesday morning, while technical clearances for other delayed flights are being expedited, the airline said.
PIA management assured that no individual or group would be allowed to disrupt flight operations or inconvenience passengers at any airport.
Engineers’ Protest Grounds Dozens of Flights Nationwide
Operations were suspended on Monday night when aircraft engineers stopped issuing airworthiness clearances, effectively grounding several aircraft. The dispute reportedly began over what the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP) described as the “unprofessional behaviour” of PIA’s chief executive officer.
The work stoppage caused the suspension of at least 12 international flights after 8 p.m., leaving hundreds of passengers — including many Umrah pilgrims — stranded at airports across the country. The SAEP said its members would not resume work until the airline’s top management addressed their grievances and changed its approach toward technical staff.
PIA Assures Passengers and Begins Recovery Efforts
The airline said it was making all possible efforts to accommodate affected passengers and restore normal operations. “Our management is on-site at major airports to ensure continuity of service and minimize disruption,” a spokesperson said.
Background: Dispute Deepens Amid Privatization Push
The latest strike follows a similar standoff earlier in the week when members of the SAEP halted work to demand long-overdue salary raises — the first in eight years — and better working conditions. Engineers had also raised concerns about the shortage of spare parts and alleged pressure to clear aircraft for operations despite safety issues, calling it a violation of aviation standards.
PIA, in response, rejected these claims and questioned the SAEP’s legal standing, accusing the engineers’ body of deliberately attempting to hinder the airline’s privatization process, which is in its final stages. The management termed the strike an attempt to create unnecessary pressure by using safety concerns as a pretext.
Government Committed to Privatization Under IMF Program
The government remains committed to privatizing the debt-ridden national flag carrier as part of economic reforms agreed under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. An earlier attempt to sell a 60% stake in PIA fell through after a potential investor offered $36 million — far below the expected valuation of around $303 million. Officials maintain that the privatization process will be completed by the end of this year.
Legal Action Expected Under Essential Services Act
PIA reiterated that the Pakistan Essential Services Act remains in effect, making strikes and work stoppages punishable offenses. The management has warned that those involved in such activities, or those encouraging them, could face legal action.
Despite the unrest, the airline said flight operations are gradually stabilizing and emphasized its commitment to maintaining passenger safety and operational reliability.
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Additional input: Arab News
