PIA operations stall as engineers withhold safety clearances
“PIA's schedule remained chaotic as engineers declined to sign off aircraft they deem unsafe.”
Key points
- PIA's schedule remained chaotic as engineers declined to sign off aircraft they deem unsafe.
- Management threatened legal action and sought outside help, while the union cited safety, spares shortages and years without raises.
Pakistan International Airlines' flight schedule remained in disarray for a second day after aircraft engineers stopped issuing airworthiness clearances, stranding passengers and forcing delays and cancellations across major airports.
Union sources said engineers are reporting for duty but will only clear jets they deem fit to fly, citing safety concerns, spare-parts shortages and a lack of pay raises in eight years. After 8pm Monday, none of PIA's international flights managed to depart, while dozens of domestic and outbound services were delayed or cancelled.
Management began disciplinary actions, transferring six engineers from Peshawar to Karachi and bringing in a private firm's engineers who, according to the union, cleared only two flights. Monday's tally included at least 55 affected flights and several cancellations, including routes between Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Skardu and Muscat, with Umrah pilgrims among those impacted.
The CEO warned that strikes are illegal under the Pakistan Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1952, and said participants would face legal consequences. PIA maintains the engineers' body lacks legal standing and accuses it of trying to pressure the airline during privatisation. The union counters it will not compromise on safety and will keep withholding clearances for aircraft it considers unairworthy.
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