Post by : Rameen Ariff

Islamabad, November 4, 2025: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was forced to suspend a number of services late Monday after a sudden strike by aircraft engineers brought routine operations to a standstill. The unscheduled action resulted in at least eight international cancellations and several domestic flight disruptions, affecting hundreds of travellers at major airports.

The stoppage began when engineers declined to sign the mandatory safety clearances required for departures, leaving aircraft grounded at Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi. Passengers reported long waits and limited information about new departure times.

PIA said it has approached other carriers to source certified engineers as a short-term measure to restart flights. "The strike has inflicted significant financial damage on the airline, and we are working to resume services as quickly as possible," said Hafeez Khan, a senior PIA official.

Khan added that both PIA and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) intend to pursue disciplinary measures against staff involved in the walkout. "These actions breach the essential services framework and disrupted national transport; they cannot be ignored," he said.

The Society of Airline Engineers Association defended the action, insisting the stoppage will continue until PIA and the CAA address grievances over pay and working conditions. "This protest is about respect and fair treatment, not deliberate disruption," a union spokesperson said.

PIA management retorted that the engineers' association lacks legal authority to call such a strike and condemned the move as illegal and irresponsible, alleging it was designed to exert pressure amid government plans to privatize the carrier — a proposal facing resistance from employee groups.

The walkout comes as Pakistan's aviation sector is already navigating severe financial strain, operational hurdles and international scrutiny.

Negotiations are ongoing to end the strike and restore normal schedules. Passengers have been urged to verify flight status with the airline before travelling to airports.

#Global