PIA Faces Major Flight Delays as SAEP Officials' Dismissal Causes Tensions

KARACHI – Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is confronting substantial flight interruptions following the firing of key figures from the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP), heightening tensions between the airline and its engineering staff. This ongoing dispute is now in its sixth day, disrupting both domestic and international flights.

As of Sunday night, PIA reported nine canceled flights and an additional 18 delayed due to technical difficulties and a lack of spare parts, as confirmed by sources. Affected international routes include flights from Abu Dhabi to Peshawar, Dubai to Karachi, and Faisalabad to Dubai. Additionally, domestic routes such as Gilgit to Islamabad and Skardu to Islamabad were significantly affected, with delays reaching up to ten hours.

The crisis stemmed from PIA's decision to dismiss the SAEP president and secretary-general after they missed scheduled personal hearings on November 4 and 5. While the airline management deemed these dismissals essential, the labor sector views it as a “clear case” of retaliatory measures.

Air League, a labor union, alongside the Officers’ Association, has openly supported the engineers, denouncing the dismissals and demanding their immediate reinstatement. “Concerns regarding passenger safety should never lead to punitive actions,” asserted Air League President Shamim Akmal. He highlighted that PIA is in a vulnerable phase marked by corruption and financial troubles, warning that ignoring safety issues could exacerbate operational risks.

The SAEP conflict has intensified an ongoing operational crisis, with PIA management accusing the engineers' body of deliberately trying to hinder the airline’s privatization efforts. Officials contend that the work stoppage was a calculated move to disrupt operations and exert pressure on management.

Labor representatives are urging PIA to approach the situation through constructive dialogue, stressing that prioritizing passenger safety and ensuring smooth airline operations must remain paramount.

As PIA struggles with delayed flights and rising tensions, passengers are encouraged to verify schedules regularly and stay informed about possible operational changes.