Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) continues to face operational challenges, with nearly half its aircraft currently grounded. Officials informed a National Assembly committee that 16 planes remain out of service, while the airline operates only 17 to 18 aircraft.
The disclosure raised fresh questions about PIA’s fleet condition, flight operations and service standards. Committee members also questioned the airline’s performance despite available tax relief and criticised delays in submitting a required report.
PIA Fleet Recovery Efforts and New Aircraft
During a briefing to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Privatization, officials outlined the airline’s fleet position and ongoing recovery efforts.
They said PIA’s aircraft previously had an average age of 21 to 22 years. However, the airline has received one Boeing Dreamliner, while another aircraft is expected to arrive in January.
Both Dreamliners are between seven and eight years old. Meanwhile, officials said the airline was working to restore grounded aircraft, with repairs proceeding where suitable engines were available.
Despite these efforts, 16 aircraft remain grounded, leaving PIA with only 17 to 18 operational planes.
PIA Expands International Flight Operations
Officials also briefed the committee on the airline’s international services. PIA’s London flights have resumed daily operations, while flights to Manchester and Birmingham are expected to start.
Furthermore, Karachi-London flights are scheduled to begin in March 2027.
The Secretary of the Privatization Commission also discussed passenger services on London flights. He said passengers were receiving onboard meals and had responded positively to the biryani and pulao offered during flights.
Committee Questions PIA’s Service Standards and Tax Relief
Committee member Sahar Kamran questioned PIA’s service quality despite the tax relief available to the airline. She argued that private airlines offered better services and operated flights on time, while PIA’s performance remained unsatisfactory.
She also raised concerns about the committee not receiving the required report on the national carrier.
In response, the Secretary of the Privatization Commission clarified the scope of PIA’s tax relief. He said the airline had received a sales tax exemption only when purchasing new aircraft.
He further clarified that PIA had received no other tax exemptions following its privatization.
Committee Raises Concerns Over Missing Ministry Responses
The meeting also exposed wider concerns about ministries failing to answer parliamentary questions or provide requested documents.
Farooq Sattar pointed out that some ministries had submitted no responses. Instead, the words “awaiting response” appeared against the relevant questions.
Meanwhile, Sahar Kamran said officials had provided documents concerning the matters under discussion only the previous evening.
Kamran also criticised the state of parliamentary proceedings, saying Parliament and its committees had effectively become inactive. She highlighted that the meeting lacked the required quorum and no ruling coalition member attended.
Natasha Daultana objected to conducting the meeting informally. Sattar also noted that members were not participating through Zoom, making it difficult for the committee to proceed under those circumstances.
The briefing therefore raised two connected concerns: PIA’s limited operational fleet and the committee’s difficulties obtaining information from government departments.
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