The collapse of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) shows more than a struggling airline – it highlights Pakistan’s growing trouble keeping its public businesses under control. A new report released by the Asian News Post paints a picture of flight delays, unpaid staff and safety protests that have become normal for the country’s flag carrier.
PIA has posted losses that reach more than $2.5 billion over the past years. The airline’s aging planes and irregular operations have worn away its reputation. Asian News Post writes that “its fleet is ageing, its operations erratic, and its reputation battered.”
The latest blow came when the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP) staged a protest. Engineers complained about pay gaps and rising safety risks, demanding better treatment and facilities. Their refusal to sign off on airworthiness certificates grounded flights nationwide. Hundreds of passengers, many headed to Saudi Arabia, were stranded for hours when engineers put a stop to flight operations.
Engineers say their salaries have stayed flat for nearly a decade, while pilots have seen periodic raises. They also claim that they are often told to reuse worn‑out parts, a practice that jeopardises passenger safety. The report stresses that engineers are essential for safe flight; without their nod, a plane cannot take off, and that is why the airline’s work is halted.
Since 3 November, no international PIA flight has left the sky, showcasing how vulnerable the airline’s infrastructure has become.
The PIA crisis reflects a wider failure in Pakistan’s aviation sector. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has faced criticism for weak oversight and corruption. After the 2020 crash of PIA Flight PK8303, global regulators discovered that about one‑third of Pakistani pilots had questionable or forged licences.
The report concludes that the engineers’ dispute exposes deeper, systemic decay. PIA’s troubles underline the urgent need for Pakistan to rebuild trust, tighten safety measures and improve pay and working conditions for its aviation workforce.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
