A high-ranking official from Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has issued a dire warning, stating that the airline is on the brink of collapse.
It has been learned that if emergency funds are not provided, PIA might be forced to suspend its flight operations by September 15.
In an interview with a media channel on Wednesday, a senior director at the national flag carrier revealed that the operational aircraft fleet has dwindled from 23 to just 16, resulting in the cancellation of numerous flights.
The official further disclosed that leading aircraft manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus, halted the supply of spare parts to PIA due to outstanding payments. As a result, the airline is incurring daily losses amounting to millions of rupees due to limited flight operations.
The official also mentioned that a PIA aircraft was temporarily grounded at Dammam airport, and four others faced similar issues at Dubai airport due to unpaid fuel bills. These aircraft were eventually allowed to depart after the PIA provided written assurances of payment.
Additionally, it was noted that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reinstated PIA services only after an emergency payment of $3.5 million was made.
The official cautioned that unless emergency funds totaling Rs23 billion are secured, flight operations may be suspended by September 15.
Meanwhile, a PIA spokesperson, in a statement, assured that exhaustive efforts were underway to prevent the suspension of flight operations.
Reports from the previous day indicated that PIA’s flight operations were severely impacted due to a lack of funds, resulting in the cancellation of numerous domestic and international flights. It was also reported that PIA employees had not received their salaries.
