PIA begins restoring flight operations after engineers’ dispute

Suspension leaves 12 international flights grounded, causing difficulties for passengers, including Umrah pilgrims

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has begun restoring its flight operations after a disruption caused by a dispute with aircraft engineers on Tuesday.

The airline’s management said services had resumed under alternative arrangements. Flights PK-245 from Islamabad to Dammam and PK-761 from Islamabad to Jeddah have departed, while take-off clearances for other affected flights are being expedited.

PIA said no one would be allowed to inconvenience passengers or obstruct flight operations at airports.

Operations were suspended on Monday following a standoff between PIA and its aircraft engineers, who stopped issuing airworthiness clearances in protest against the behaviour of the airline’s chief executive.

Read: PIA resumes UK flights after five-year ban

The suspension left 12 international flights grounded after 8pm, causing difficulties for passengers, including Umrah pilgrims. The Society of Aircraft Engineers has said its members will not return to work until the CEO changes his conduct.

PIA said it was working to ensure that affected passengers are accommodated and that normal operations resume as soon as possible.