The dispute between the management of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and the aircraft engineers has intensified. PIA aircraft engineers have stopped issuing aircraft clearances, which has disrupted the national airline’s flight operations and led to the cancellation of several flights.
According to national media, no international flight of PIA could depart due to the protest by the aircraft engineers. The Aircraft Engineers Association has said that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PIA should correct his attitude.
PIA CEO Aamir Hayat has ordered strict action against the aircraft engineers. The management managed to send off flights to Dammam and Jeddah through alternative arrangements, according to a report citing sources.
A PIA spokesperson stated that the Society of Aircraft Engineers has no legal standing and that the real purpose of this protest is to sabotage PIA’s privatization process. The Essential Services Act is in force at PIA, and any strike or work stoppage is legally a crime.
He further stated that legal action will be taken against those involved in such activities, and the management is obtaining alternative engineering services from other airlines. All flights will be resumed soon.
Flight operations are gradually being restored. The management has resumed operations through alternative means, and flight PK-247 from Islamabad to Dammam and PK-761 from Islamabad to Jeddah have already departed, according to PIA spokesperson.
He added that other flights are also being cleared and dispatched after having their tech logs verified. The management is present at airports and will not allow anyone to create difficulties for passengers or obstruct flight departures.
