PIA cancels another two dozen flights amid fuel shortage

KARACHI: The restrictions on fuel supply owing to non-payment of dues continued to affect the flight operations of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Tuesday, ARY News reported.

The national flag carrier cancelled at least 20 domestic and international flights and delay several others.

A PIA spokesman said that due to a limited fuel supply for PIA aircrafts on a daily basis and for operational reasons, the flights were cancelled while the departure of some flights had been rescheduled.

Five flights from Karachi to Lahore, Gwadar, Sukkar and Islamabad, while two flights from Lahore airport have also been suspended.

It is pertinent to mention that Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar directed authorities concerned to expedite the privatization process of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other loss-making state-owned enterprises.

Read more: PIA likely to suspend flight operations

Sources told ARY News that the financial affairs the national airline will be handed over to Privatisation Commission as the latter would take measures to reduce its losses.

Sources further claimed that the commission will link the national carrier’s financial affairs with the latest system. By improving PIA’s financial affairs, the commission will improve its balance sheet – which will help in carrier’s privatization.