Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) disclosed the cancellation of 349 flights in the last two weeks due to a fuel shortage, reflecting the operational challenges faced by the national carrier.
A spokesperson revealed that both domestic and international routes were affected by the cancellations since October 14.
Amid the airline’s mounting financial constraints and the government’s decision to privatize PIA, flight operations have been significantly disrupted.
The ongoing crisis stems from a dispute between PIA and the Pakistan State Oil company (PSO) over payment issues. The airline alleges that the PSO has suspended its credit line, compelling it to make daily advance payments for fuel supplies.
While flights are being rescheduled daily based on fuel availability, the company has not specified the duration of the crisis.
The statement emphasized that priority destinations upon flight resumption would include Canada, Turkiye, China, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia.
Since 2020, PIA’s flights to Europe and the UK remain suspended following the revocation of its authorization by the European Union’s Aviation Safety Agency in the wake of the pilot license scandal.
