PIA flight operations face major disruption amid engineers’ protest and safety compliance row

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) continued to face severe operational disruptions on Tuesday, with flight delays and cancellations reported across multiple routes as engineers suspended certifications over a safety and regulatory dispute.

According to the airline’s spokesperson, flight operations were gradually returning to normal after a late-night disruption caused by what the management termed “an attempt by a derecognised entity, SEAP, to pressure the airline and undermine the ongoing privatisation process.”

The spokesman said PIA’s management and Engineering Division worked through the night to restore operations by arranging alternative measures and rescheduling flight slots and crew assignments. As a result, flights PK783 (Karachi–Toronto) and PK701 (Islamabad–Manchester) departed on time.

However, at least seven flights faced significant delays — including PK747 (Lahore–Madinah) by 14 hours, PK761 (Karachi–Jeddah) by 12 hours, PK233 (Islamabad–Dubai) by nine hours, PK245 (Islamabad–Dammam) by seven hours, PK755 (Sialkot–Riyadh) by seven hours, PK741 (Islamabad–Madinah) by six hours, and PK300 (Karachi–Islamabad) by four hours. Five flights were cancelled, with passengers shifted to alternate schedules where possible.

Meanwhile, the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP) accused the airline of violating Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations by hiring unauthorised third-party engineering services to resume flight operations.

“The national flag carrier, instead of addressing engineers’ legitimate concerns, is engaging external maintenance providers, which is against PCAA and ICAO rules,” SAEP President Abdullah Jadoon told the media. He warned that bypassing certified engineers could endanger passenger safety and expose PIA to international regulatory penalties.

SAEP maintains that only its certified engineers, authorised under PCAA’s ANO-145 requirements, are legally permitted to certify aircraft for operation. The group has urged the management to reinstate proper maintenance protocols and address safety-related grievances that have long gone unresolved.

Aviation experts said the management’s reliance on uncertified third-party support could further damage PIA’s global standing and raise compliance concerns among international regulators.

The airline’s spokesperson reiterated that flight operations were “being fully restored” and that ensuring customer convenience remained the top priority. However, as engineers continue their protest, uncertainty persists over the pace of full operational recovery and adherence to safety standards.