PIA flight operations restored after disruption caused by protest
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The airline assured the public, “Flight operations are being fully restored and customer convenience is our utmost priority and that our operations run smoothly”
KARACHI (Dunya News) - Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Tuesday restored flight operations with some alternative arrangements after aircraft engineers’ protest disrupted the flights of national flag carrier on Monday.
“By using alternative means and working tirelessly overnight and day, the airline restored the operations, thus mitigating the impact of already delayed flights for subsequent operations,” a statement from the PIA authority said.
The airline assured the public, “Flight operations are being fully restored and customer convenience is our utmost priority and that our operations run smoothly”.
A derecognized entity (SEAP), in order to pressurize the management, tried to halt the operations during late hours of yesterday night with their nefarious design to sabotage the privatization process.
— PIA (@Official_PIA) November 4, 2025
Management team alongwith key post holders of Engineering Dept. immediately…
On Monday, PIA international flight operations were badly affected as several flights could not take off after aircraft engineers stopped clearance of planes in protest over a pay raise and other issues.
The dispute between the PIA management and aircraft engineers intensified, with several flights remained grounded. Flights from Lahore to Madina, Islamabad, and Karachi to Jeddah were disrupted. Flights from Lahore to Abu Dhabi and from Islamabad to Dammam and Dubai were also affected.
A PIA spokesperson said Society of Aircraft Engineers has no legal status, adding the aim of the body to sabotage the privatisation of PIA.
On the other hand, the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP) said its members would not return to work until the airline’s CEO changed his attitude.
Meanwhile, the CEO of the national airline has ordered strict action against the aircraft engineers. He said any engineer responsible for disrupting operations will face action.
"The Pakistan Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1952, is in force at the national airline, which makes strikes or walkouts illegal," the CEO said.
He also said the management was arranging engineering support from other airlines, and flights would begin departing soon.
