Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
Islamabad, November 4, 2025: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) cancelled a number of services after aircraft engineers staged an unannounced walkout late Monday, halting operations and affecting dozens of passengers across the country.
Sources said engineers declined to sign off on required safety clearances, leaving planes grounded at airports in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi. Travellers at affected terminals reported long waits with limited information on rescheduling.
PIA officials said the carrier has contacted other airlines to temporarily source certified engineers to help resume flights. "The stoppage has inflicted significant financial and operational damage; we are working to restore schedules as quickly as possible," said Hafeez Khan, a senior PIA spokesperson.
Khan added that both PIA and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) intend to pursue disciplinary measures against those involved. He said the action breached essential-services rules and severely disrupted national operations.
The Society of Airline Engineers Association defended the action, saying the strike will continue until working conditions and treatment of engineers improve. A union representative described the move as a demand for "respect and fair terms," not an attempt to paralyse services.
PIA management, however, described the stoppage as illegal and launched without prior notice, claiming the union lacked legal authority for such action. Officials suggested the walkout was aimed at applying pressure amid ongoing government plans to privatise the airline.
Industry observers warned the walkout adds strain to Pakistan's aviation sector, which is already grappling with losses, operational hurdles and international scrutiny.
Negotiations between authorities and the engineers were reported ongoing. Passengers were advised to check the latest flight statuses before travelling to airports.
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