KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is confronting an imminent shutdown crisis, having cancelled more than 500 flights within the past 11 days due to a severe shortage of fuel.
This precarious situation arises from Pakistan State Oil (PSO) discontinuing fuel supply to the national flag carrier over unpaid dues.
Regrettably, PIA is currently grappling with what is arguably one of the most severe crises in its history. The abrupt cut-off of fuel supply by Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has led to the cancellation of a staggering 537 flights since October 13.
The crisis reached a critical point when, just yesterday, 49 domestic and international flights were grounded in various cities across Pakistan, including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta, Multan, and Peshawar. These cancellations were a direct consequence of the curtailed fuel supply from Pakistan State Oil (PSO) to PIA.
Notable among the cancelled flights were those operating between Karachi and Islamabad (PK 300, PK 301, PK 368, and PK 369), as well as flights between Karachi and Turbat (PK 501 and PK 502). This has caused significant disruption to travel plans and inconvenienced passengers.
In a noteworthy development, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Amir Hayat has penned a ‘motivation letter’ addressed to the airline’s employees, delivered amid the backdrop of the financial crisis, flight cancellations, and the ongoing privatization process.
CEO Amir Hayat’s open letter serves to motivate the workforce during these trying times, urging all employees to maintain a steadfast focus on ensuring organizational compliance and fostering close-knit teamwork as PIA navigates the challenging path of privatization. The airline is at a critical juncture, and collective effort and dedication are essential to surmounting these challenges and securing its future.
