PIA Cuts Discounts and Flights Due to Soaring Fuel Costs

Islamabad: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has ceased all passenger fare discounts and cut back on flight operations due to the surging prices of jet fuel, which are severely impacting its financial health, as reported by Dawn.

An airline spokesperson confirmed that discounts are now limited solely to children and infants, marking the end of all other fare reductions. This decision is part of a larger effort to control costs in response to rising fuel expenditures.

“PIA has taken a firm stance to discontinue all discounts, reserving exceptions only for children and infants,” the spokesperson stated, noting that the action follows an extensive review of climbing fuel prices and anticipated losses.

Jet fuel prices (JP-1) have risen sharply in recent weeks amid global supply issues linked to the ongoing US-Israel tensions with Iran, placing added strain on airlines throughout the region.

As a countermeasure, PIA has lowered the frequency of its flights and temporarily halted several international operations. Services to the UAE will be capped at 16 flights per week, while flights to other Gulf nations, excluding Saudi Arabia, are suspended until the month's end.

Additionally, routes to Beijing and Kuala Lumpur have been suspended, effective April 11 and April 14, respectively.

Officials have emphasized that these decisions follow a fourth consecutive increase in jet fuel costs, further escalating operational expenses.

“We cannot transfer the entire burden of elevated fuel costs to our passengers,” the spokesperson explained, highlighting the necessity of administrative measures to mitigate financial losses.

Industry insiders have expressed worries about the viability of airline services, especially after Arif Habib, chairman of the PIA Consortium, cautioned about a staggering 150 percent rise in fuel expenses, deepening the financial challenges for the national airline.