COVID-19: PIA suffers Rs2b loss amid Umrah restrictions by KSA

Ban by Saudi government has affected more than 50,000 pilgrims

ISLAMABAD: Amid Saudi Arabia suspending Umrah over coronavirus outbreak, the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suffered losses of approximately Rs2 billion.

According to PIA spokesperson, the ban by the Saudi government has affected more than 50,000 pilgrims whereas their tickets have been suspended till March 31.

The administration of the national carrier had set a revenue target of Rs194 billion for the current year. An additional revenue target of Rs320 million was set to curb the operational losses. However, with current travel restrictions in place, the overall deficit is likely to exceed Rs37 billion.



Earlier in February, the aviation division presented details of the loss-making flight operations of PIA during the last 10 years in the National Assembly.

PIA had suffered a loss of Rs371.14 billion during 2009-19, adding that the airlines recruited 3,492 employees since 2010.

At present, PIA has 15,052 employees, out of which 11,284 employees are recruited on a regular basis.

The lawmakers were also informed that the process for the registration of the madrassas would begin in the first week of March, while the Federal Education Board presented details of the investment made in different banks.