PIA accuses engineers' body of derailing privatisation process

Management says SAEP tried to halt operation of national flag carrier but prompt action foiled their bid

The Pakistan International Airlines cancelled five flights after its engineers’ union disrupted operations, the national flag carrier said in a statement on Friday. The airline claimed that the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan, a derecognised body, tried to halt PIA operations during the late hours on Thursday "with a nefarious design to sabotage the privatisation process".

“The management, in cooperation with the key post holders in the Engineering Department, promptly responded. By using alternative means and working tirelessly day and night, they restored operations, thus mitigating the impact of already delayed flights,” the statement said.

PIA confirmed that five flights were cancelled after load readjustments, and alternate arrangements were offered to affected passengers. The airline assured that flight operations were being fully restored and that "customer convenience remains our utmost priority".

Read More: PIA flight operations hit as dispute with engineers continues

Following revised schedule and crew adjustments, two international flights — Karachi–Toronto (PK-783) with 104 passengers and Islamabad–Manchester (PK-701) with 329 passengers — departed on time.

However, seven flights including Lahore–Madina (PK-747), Karachi–Jeddah (PK-761), Karachi–Islamabad (PK-300), Islamabad–Madina (PK-741), Islamabad–Dubai (PK-233), Islamabad–Dammam (PK-245) and Sialkot–Riyadh (PK-755) experienced delays. PIA said it remained focused on minimising disruptions and ensuring passengers reach their destinations safely as operations return to normal schedule.

On Monday, flight operations were suspended 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. The suspension left 12 international flights grounded after 8pm, causing difficulties for passengers, including Umrah pilgrims. The SAEP had announced its members would not return to work until the CEO changes his conduct.