Pakistan International Airlines runs out of fuel, 77 flights cancelled

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the airline found itself in a state of crisis on Sunday, with its operations coming to a standstill due to a shortage of fuel. This is one of the most severe challenges faced by the airline in recent years, as 77 flights were abruptly cancelled on Sunday following a fuel supply suspension by Pakistan State Oil (PSO). The ongoing financial troubles of PIA, which has reportedly incurred losses amounting to PKR 750 billion, have not been a stranger to recurrent crises. However, the present situation appears to be the direst in recent memory, with PSO citing mounting unpaid dues as the reason for the suspension of fuel supply to PIA’s aircraft. Initially, the national carrier had scheduled 81 flights for take-off on Sunday, including 52 international and 29 domestic routes. Unfortunately, all but four international flights were cancelled, leaving numerous passengers stranded. The airline has confirmed that both domestic and international flights were affected by the suspension of fuel supply from PSO. However, in a late-night development, the airline managed to partially restore flight operations, with flights to Jeddah departing from various cities. PIA’s top management has been actively working to re-establish communication with PSO and resolve the fuel supply issue. Late on Sunday night, PIA announced that 61 flights were scheduled for Monday, with 42 of them set to operate on international routes and 19 on domestic routes. The airline expressed optimism that the scheduled evening flights on Monday would proceed as planned once a credit line was made available to cover fuel expenses. This crisis unfolds at a time when the interim government is seeking to expedite the process of relieving the burden of the beleaguered entity. Last month, the Privatisation Commission outlined a clear timeline for the privatisation of PIA, highlighting the government’s intention to divest the loss-making state institution as soon as possible. The widespread cancellation of flights has left thousands of passengers distressed, and PIA employees, witnessing the airline’s continuous decline, have expressed that the situation has never been this dire. Travellers were left uncertain about their departures, with some returning home while others chose to remain at the airport in the hopes of reaching their destinations. The airline has been working to accommodate passengers on alternative flights and has issued apologies for the inconvenience caused by the flight cancellations. ‘Conspiracy’ against PIA Safdar Anjum, the General Secretary of PIA’s Senior Staff Association, has alleged that the airline is being intentionally destroyed as part of a “planned conspiracy.” Anjum pointed fingers at the airline’s management, labelling them as “incompetent” and demanding their removal. He claimed that the executive team was brought in to dismantle the airline, alluding to a hidden agenda to facilitate its privatisation. An aviation expert, however, emphasised that PIA’s woes were primarily due to poor management practices that emerged when individuals were hired on deputation by the airline. The crisis continues to unfold, and PIA remains at a critical juncture, with its future hanging in the balance.