Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has started restoring its flight operations after a major disruption caused by a dispute with aircraft engineers. The airline confirmed that alternative arrangements were made to restart key routes. Flights PK-245 from Islamabad to Dammam and PK-761 from Islamabad to Jeddah have successfully departed, while take-off permissions for other delayed flights are now being quickly processed by authorities.
Management Ensures Passenger Safety
PIA’s management has assured that no one will be allowed to inconvenience passengers or block flight operations at any airport. The airline emphasized that ensuring safety and service continuity remains its top priority. Extra staff have been deployed to manage passenger assistance, while technical teams are coordinating closely with airport control rooms to keep flights running without unnecessary delays or confusion.
Dispute Between Engineers and Management
The suspension of flights began on Monday after a disagreement between PIA’s management and its aircraft engineers. The engineers had stopped issuing airworthiness certificates, which are mandatory for flight take-offs. Their protest came in response to what they described as inappropriate behavior from the airline’s chief executive officer. The standoff immediately affected operations, grounding several aircraft across multiple destinations.
Impact on International Flights
Due to the engineers’ protest, around 12 international flights were grounded after 8 pm on Monday. This created severe challenges for passengers, especially Umrah pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia. Many travelers were left waiting at airports for hours, uncertain about when their flights would resume. The delay also caused financial losses for the airline, as well as reputational damage in the international travel market.
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Society of Aircraft Engineers’ Stance
The Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan stated that its members would not return to duty until the CEO changes his behavior towards staff. They emphasized that the issue was not about pay or benefits but about respect and professional conduct. The group urged the airline’s board and government officials to intervene and mediate a peaceful solution for the sake of passengers and employees alike.
PIA’s Commitment to Resolve the Issue
PIA has expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers and promised to resolve the issue as soon as possible. The airline stated that all affected travelers are being accommodated through rebookings or alternative flights. Management has also initiated talks with the engineers’ association to restore full operational capacity. The company hopes to return to its normal flight schedule within the next few days.
Looking Ahead
As flights gradually resume, passengers are hopeful that both sides will find common ground to prevent future disruptions. PIA remains a vital link for thousands of Pakistanis traveling abroad, especially for religious and work purposes. The airline’s swift recovery plan reflects its determination to rebuild trust and ensure that its operations continue smoothly for the nation’s travelers.
