ISLAMABAD: The halt in fuel supply to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) severely impacted the airline’s domestic flight operations on Monday. A total of 14 flights were canceled, and an additional four flights experienced delays. This disruption was a result of non-payment of dues to the fuel supplier.
According to official sources, Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has halted fuel supply to the national flag carrier due to non-payment of dues. A PIA spokesperson confirmed to Dawn that the suspension of fuel supply to the airline severely impacted flight operations. Fourteen domestic flights were canceled, while four others experienced significant delays.
Negotiations between PIA management and PSO were ongoing until late Monday night. Among the canceled flights were two from Islamabad to Gilgit, one from Islamabad to Quetta, one from Karachi to Sukkur, one from Islamabad to Multan, and one from Karachi to Faisalabad.
Similarly, PIA flight PK304 from Karachi to Lahore faced a delay of approximately three hours due to the fuel suspension at Karachi airport. The flight was originally scheduled to depart at 2 pm but left with a delay of three hours.
The delay of PIA flight PK305 from Lahore to Karachi was attributed to its delayed arrival in Lahore. Furthermore, PIA flight PK308 from Karachi to Islamabad was also delayed due to the fuel supply suspension. Later, PIA flight PK309 from Islamabad to Karachi also experienced delays.
As a result of these flight cancellations and delays, numerous passengers have been inconvenienced over the past several days. This issue has not only affected travelers but also created difficulties for flight crews due to delayed departures.
The caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaarul Haq Kakar, has already instructed the relevant authorities to expedite the privatization process of Pakistan International Airline, given the airline’s ongoing financial crisis.
