ISLAMABAD: The protest by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) aircraft engineers entered its second day on Wednesday, causing major disruption to the national carrier’s flight operations across the country.
According to the details, seven flights were canceled while 39 others were delayed due to the ongoing strike over unpaid salary increments and growing administrative pressure.
The strike, led by the Aircraft Engineers’ Association, was triggered by frustration among engineers over what they described as the management’s “indifferent attitude” and the CEO’s “uncooperative behavior” toward their concerns. The association’s president said the engineers had “no option but to protest” after their repeated requests went unanswered.
In response, the PIA administration warned that flight disruptions would not be tolerated. A spokesperson said contingency plans had been put in place to reduce passenger inconvenience and ensure essential operations continue.
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The PIA CEO has reportedly issued strict directives against the protesting engineers, warning of disciplinary action under the Essential Services Act, which prohibits strikes in critical sectors. The management also claimed that the engineers’ association has no legal status and accused it of trying to disrupt the airline’s ongoing privatization process.
Despite the standoff, officials said efforts were being made to keep flight schedules as normal as possible. Passengers have been advised to check flight timings before traveling.
The ongoing dispute between the national airline and its aircraft engineers has caused widespread flight disruptions, with dozens of flights delayed and several cancelled.
Engineers said they only issue flight clearances after ensuring an aircraft’s complete safety, stressing that no plane is allowed to depart unless declared fully airworthy.
The Society of Aircraft Engineers Pakistan (SAEP) stated that six engineers stationed at Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar were recently transferred to Karachi. However, they continue to perform their duties and issue clearances for aircraft deemed fit to fly.
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SAEP reaffirmed that its members will not bow to management pressure and will not compromise passenger safety or operational standards under any circumstances.
Their key demands include salary increases, which they say have remained unchanged for the past eight years, timely provision of aircraft spare parts, and an improved working environment.
During the ongoing protest, engineers from a private company cleared only two flights — from Peshawar to Jeddah and Islamabad to Dammam.
Meanwhile, flights PK302 and PK306 from Karachi to Lahore were cancelled, while PK304 faced a delay of ten hours. PK370 from Karachi to Islamabad was delayed by three hours, while PK218 from Peshawar to Doha and PK286 from Doha to Peshawar both faced 18-hour delays.
