The ongoing payment dispute between Pakistan International Airline (PIA) and Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has dealt a severe blow to the national carrier, resulting in a staggering loss of Rs700 million. The prolonged disagreement over dues led to a disruption in PIA’s flight operations, causing significant financial repercussions.
After protracted negotiations, an agreement was finally reached between PIA and PSO, allowing for the partial restoration of flight services. Nonetheless, the damage had already been done, with over 65 domestic and international flights grounded on a single day. The financial toll on PIA was considerable, exacerbating the already challenging circumstances faced by the airline.
Fortunately, following the resolution of the dispute, PIA was able to resume flights from key cities like Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, and Multan to destinations such as Jeddah and Riyadh. However, the significant losses incurred during the interruption of services highlight the critical need for consistent cooperation between the airline and fuel providers.
The situation has also raised concerns among PIA’s labor union, People’s Unity, which strongly condemned PSO for its role in the disruption. The union’s president emphasized their unwavering stance against the privatization of PIA, asserting that it would not be permitted under any circumstances. As the airline strives to recover and provide uninterrupted services, passengers are advised to stay updated with PIA’s flight status to avoid any inconveniences during their travel plans.
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PIA operations finally resume after a long delay