KARACHI: The lingering impact of fuel supply restrictions, primarily due to unpaid dues, has continued to disrupt the operations of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) as the national flag carrier faces severe challenges.
On Tuesday, at least 20 domestic and international flights were cancelled, while several others experienced significant delays.
A spokesperson for PIA revealed that the constrained fuel supply for PIA’s aircraft, combined with operational constraints, led to the cancellation of multiple flights. In addition to cancellations, the departure times for several flights had to be rescheduled, causing inconvenience to passengers.
Among the affected flights, five domestic routes from Karachi to Lahore, Gwadar, Sukkar, and Islamabad experienced cancellations, adding to the disruption. Furthermore, two flights departing from Lahore airport were also temporarily suspended.
This predicament comes at a time when Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has directed the relevant authorities to expedite the privatization process of Pakistan International Airlines and other state-owned enterprises operating at a loss. It has been reported that the financial management of the national airline is set to be handed over to the Privatisation Commission, which will be tasked with implementing measures to curtail the ongoing financial losses.
Furthermore, the commission is anticipated to modernize the financial structure of the national carrier, aiming to bolster its financial stability. By reviving and improving PIA’s financial affairs, the commission will work towards enhancing the airline’s balance sheet, ultimately facilitating its privatization.
This ongoing struggle highlights the challenging environment in which Pakistan International Airlines operates, urging the need for swift reforms and financial stability to ensure the sustainable functioning of the national flag carrier.
