Ongoing Dispute Between PIA and Aircraft Engineers
The ongoing conflict between the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) administration and aircraft engineers has entered its sixth consecutive day, causing significant disruptions to flight operations. This prolonged standoff has led to a series of cancellations and delays, affecting both domestic and international flights.
According to recent reports, nine flights were cancelled, while 18 others experienced delays ranging from three to ten hours. The affected routes include flights from Abu Dhabi to Peshawar, Dubai to Karachi, and Faisalabad to Dubai. Additionally, flights from Dubai to Faisalabad and Peshawar to Dubai were also cancelled. Domestic flights heading to Gilgit and Islamabad faced similar issues.
One of the most notable delays was the Islamabad to Al Ain flight (PK-143), which departed after a delay of nearly 10 hours. The disruption began on November 04, 2025, when aircraft engineers initiated a protest against the management. This led to a complete halt in PIA’s flight operations across the country.
The dispute intensified between the national carrier’s management and the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP). As a result, engineers suspended the clearance of aircraft for departure. According to sources, the engineers announced they would not resume work until the attitude of the PIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) improves. This protest has led to the grounding of several domestic and international flights.
In response to the ongoing protest, the PIA CEO reportedly directed the Chief HR Officer to take strict disciplinary action against the protesting engineers. “Engineers responsible for flight disruptions must face consequences,” the CEO instructed, according to internal sources within the airline.
Due to the ongoing strike, multiple PIA flights were either cancelled or delayed, especially on major international routes. Flights PK747 and PK744 on the Lahore and Madinah routes, as well as PK741 and PK736 on the Islamabad and Jeddah routes, were among those affected.
Additionally, flights PK761 and PK832 from Karachi to Jeddah could not depart, while PK263 and PK264 on the Karachi-Lahore-Abu Dhabi route faced long delays. Operations on the Karachi-Islamabad-Dubai and Peshawar routes (PK233 and PK284) and the Karachi-Islamabad-Dammam routes (PK245 and PK246) were also disrupted.
Impact on Passengers and Operations
The continuous disruptions have left many passengers stranded and frustrated. With no clear resolution in sight, the situation remains tense between the management and the engineers. The lack of communication and resolution has further exacerbated the problem, leading to increased dissatisfaction among both staff and travelers.
As the dispute continues, the airline faces mounting pressure to resolve the issue quickly. The prolonged strike not only affects the company’s reputation but also impacts the broader economy by disrupting business and travel plans. With no immediate end in sight, the situation remains a critical concern for all stakeholders involved.