Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) continues to face severe disruptions as its aircraft engineers’ protest enters the second day. The ongoing standoff has left dozens of flights grounded, forcing passengers to wait endlessly at airports in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. The dispute between the airline’s management and engineers has escalated, halting flight operations almost entirely.
Engineers Refuse to Clear Aircraft
The engineers have stopped issuing airworthiness clearances for planes, stating they will only approve aircraft deemed safe for travel. They claim that management is pressuring them to approve unfit planes, which could compromise passenger safety. Despite reporting for duty, the engineers insist they cannot clear aircraft without the necessary maintenance checks and parts.
As a result, several aircraft remain grounded, with passengers stranded for hours. PIA attempted to use engineers from a private firm as a backup measure, but only two aircraft were cleared for departure.
Widespread Flight Delays and Cancellations
At least 55 flights were disrupted on Monday, with several cancelled due to the ongoing protest. Domestic routes such as Karachi to Skardu and Lahore to Karachi were severely affected. Additionally, multiple international flights, including Lahore-Muscat and Karachi-Lahore routes, were cancelled.
The Karachi-Lahore flight PK-302 was delayed for over 14 hours, while the Karachi-Islamabad service PK-300 failed to take off as planned. Islamabad-Gilgit flights were also grounded, leaving many passengers—especially Umrah pilgrims—facing difficulties.
Growing Tensions Between Management and Engineers
The conflict deepened after the management transferred six Peshawar-based engineers to Karachi. The Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP) denounced the move, saying it was meant to suppress their protest. They also revealed that engineers have been wearing black armbands for more than two months to highlight their grievances.
Despite this peaceful protest, management has not engaged in dialogue. Engineers say they have not received a pay raise in eight years and that the airline lacks critical spare parts. They argue that their refusal to clear certain aircraft is driven by safety concerns, not defiance.
Management Threatens Disciplinary and Legal Action
PIA’s CEO has ordered strict disciplinary measures against engineers involved in halting operations. He stated that under the Pakistan Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1952, strikes or walkouts are illegal. The management accused the engineers’ association of attempting to disrupt the airline’s privatisation process under the guise of safety concerns.
According to the airline’s spokesperson, the protest is politically motivated and deliberately timed to create inconvenience for passengers. The management assured that engineering support from other airlines is being arranged to restore flight schedules as soon as possible.
Uncertain Future for PIA Operations
With both sides refusing to compromise, PIA’s operations remain uncertain. Passengers are growing frustrated as delays stretch into days, and the airline’s image suffers further damage. Engineers have vowed not to resume normal duties until the management addresses their concerns and ensures fair treatment.
The standoff highlights the deep structural and operational challenges facing Pakistan’s national carrier, already burdened by financial strain and public dissatisfaction. Unless swift action is taken, the disruption could extend, causing further chaos for travellers nationwide.
