PIA Airbus at Dubai airport. Photo: PIA website
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) canceled five flights and adjusted passenger loads following an attempt by its engineering union to disrupt operations, the national flag carrier said in a statement on Friday.
The airline alleged that the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SEAP), a disowned entity, tried to halt PIA’s operations during the late hours of Thursday “with a nefarious design to sabotage the privatization process”.
“The management team, together with key post holders of the engineering department, responded immediately. By using alternative means and working tirelessly overnight and during the day, they restored operations, thereby reducing the impact of already delayed flights,” the statement said.
PIA confirmed that five flights were canceled following load adjustments and alternative arrangements were offered to affected passengers. The airline assured that flight operations were fully restored and that “customer convenience remains our highest priority.”
After revised schedule and crew adjustments, two international flights – Karachi to Toronto (PK-783) with 104 passengers and Islamabad to Manchester (PK-701) with 329 passengers – departed on time.
However, seven flights experienced delays including Lahore to Madina (PK-747), Karachi to Jeddah (PK-761), Karachi to Islamabad (PK-300), Islamabad to Madina (PK-741), Islamabad to Dubai (PK-233), Islamabad to Dammam (PK-245) and Sialkot to R55 (PK-7).
PIA said it remained focused on minimizing disruption and ensuring passengers reach their destinations safely when operations return to normal.
