Flights canceled, delayed, engineers citing lack of airworthiness; demand salary increases and better working conditions
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) passenger plane sits on the tarmac, seen through an airplane window, at Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad, Pakistan, October 27, 2024. Photo: Reuters/File
The ongoing dispute between the national airline and its aeronautical engineers has led to significant flight disruptions, with dozens of flights delayed and several canceled.
Engineers said they only issue flight clearances once they are fully satisfied with a plane’s safety, emphasizing that planes are only allowed to take off once deemed airworthy.
Six aeronautical engineers stationed at Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar were recently transferred to Karachi, the Society of Aircraft Engineers Pakistan (SAEP) said. However, he clarified that engineers continue to carry out their duties and issue authorizations to planes deemed fit to fly.
Read: PIA restores flight operations after attempted disruption
SAEP reiterated that its members will not bow to management pressure and will in no way compromise passenger safety or flight standards.
Their demands include an increase in wages, which they say have remained stagnant over the past eight years, as well as the timely supply of aircraft spare parts and an improved working environment.
During the ongoing protest, engineers from a private company have authorized only two flights: from Peshawar to Jeddah and from Islamabad to Dammam.
Learn more: PIA begins restoring flight operations after engineers dispute
Meanwhile, flights PK302 and PK306 from Karachi to Lahore were canceled, while PK304 was delayed by ten hours. PK370 from Karachi to Islamabad was delayed by three hours.
PK218 from Peshawar to Doha faced an 18-hour delay, as did PK286 from Doha to Peshawar.
