PIA decries bid to ‘sabotage’ privatisation process

LAHORE: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight operations are returning to normal, a spokesman said on Tuesday.

He stated that a derecognised entity, SEAP, attempted to disrupt operations late Monday night in an effort to pressure the airline’s management and sabotage the ongoing privatization process.

According to the spokesman, the airline’s management team, along with key officials from the Engineering Division, acted swiftly by using alternative measures and working tirelessly through the night to restore operations. Their efforts helped minimize the impact of earlier flight delays on subsequent schedules.

Following necessary adjustments to flight slots and crew arrangements, PIA flights PK783 (Karachi–Toronto) and PK701 (Islamabad–Manchester) departed on time.

However, seven flights faced delays: PK747 (Lahore–Madinah) by 14 hours, PK761 (Karachi–Jeddah) by 12 hours, PK300 (Karachi–Islamabad) by four hours, PK741 (Islamabad–Madinah) by six hours, PK233 (Islamabad–Dubai) by nine hours, PK245 (Islamabad–Dammam) by seven hours, and PK755 (Sialkot–Riyadh) by seven hours.

Meanwhile, five flights were cancelled, with passengers adjusted on alternate flights to ensure minimal inconvenience.

“Flight operations are now being fully restored, and customer convenience remains our top priority,” the spokesman concluded.