PIA Flight Operations Resumed After Disruption Linked to Engineering Dispute

PIA flight operations have resumed following a late-night disruption attempt allegedly orchestrated by a derecognised entity, amid conflicting claims of a strike by aircraft engineers. The incident caused widespread delays and cancellations across major routes, including international flights to Toronto, Manchester, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia.

✈️ What Happened?

• On November 4–5, PIA’s flight schedule was severely impacted by what the airline described as sabotage by a “derecognised entity” aiming to disrupt operations and pressure management during the airline’s ongoing privatisation process.
• The Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP), however, denied any strike, stating that engineers were strictly adhering to safety protocols mandated by aviation regulations.
• PIA management claimed the disruption was misrepresented as lawful compliance, while engineers insisted their actions were rooted in safety and certification standards.

🕒 Delays and Cancellations

Despite efforts to restore normalcy, several flights faced significant delays:

• PK747 Lahore–Madinah: 14-hour delay
• PK761 Karachi–Jeddah: 12-hour delay
• PK233 Islamabad–Dubai: 9-hour delay
• PK741 Islamabad–Madinah: 6-hour delay
• PK245 Islamabad–Dammam: 7-hour delay
• PK755 Sialkot–Riyadh: 7-hour delay
• PK300 Karachi–Islamabad: 4-hour delay

Additionally, five flights were cancelled, with passengers offered alternate arrangements.

🧭 Official Responses

• PIA spokesperson emphasized that the airline’s engineering and operations teams worked overnight to restore services using alternative means.
• SAEP maintained that its members were not on strike and were fulfilling their duties within legal and procedural boundaries.
• The disruption is seen as part of a broader tension surrounding PIA’s privatisation, which has faced resistance from internal factions.

🌍 International Impact of Disrupted PIA Flight Operations

The disruption affected passengers across Pakistan and abroad, with delays reported at Islamabad, Karachi, and Peshawar airports. Flights to Dubai and Saudi Arabia were among the most impacted, leaving hundreds stranded.