Over 500 PIA flights cancelled in 11 days

KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is on the verge of a shutdown as it cancelled over 500 flights in the past 11 days due to the unavailability of fuel, ARY News reported on Friday quoting the national carrier’s spokesman.

The national flag carrier is facing arguably its worst crisis in history as Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has cut the fuel supply over unpaid dues.

The move forced the airline to cancel 537 flights since Oct 13.

Yesterday, as many as 49 domestic and international flights were cancelled from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta, Multan, Peshawar and other cities after the Pakistan State Oil (PSO) slashed its fuel supply to the PIA, sources said.

The flights include Karachi to Islamabad (PK 300, PK 301, PK 368, and PK 369) and Karachi to Turbat (PK 501 and PK 502), all of which had to be called off.

Moreover, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Amir Hayat has written a ‘motivation letter’ to the employees ahead of the privatisation.

The PIA CEO Amir Hayat wrote an open letter to motivate the employees amid the financial crisis, closure of the flight operations and the ongoing privatisation process.

Hayat asked all employees to maintain a concerted focus on ensuring organizational compliance through closely-knit teamwork ahead of the airline’s privatisation.