Web Desk: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced a major suspension of international flight routes and the implementation of drastic fuel-saving measures on Monday to combat a deepening financial crisis triggered by soaring jet fuel prices.
A high-level administrative meeting resulted in the decision to suspend operations to Beijing starting April 11, followed by the suspension of Kuala Lumpur flights on April 14. Additionally, the national flag carrier will halt all flights to Gulf countries, excluding the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, by the end of the month. The airline is also scaling back its UAE operations to just 16 flights per week.
A PIA spokesperson explained that management took these “tough administrative decisions” following the fourth consecutive hike in international jet fuel costs. The airline stated it cannot pass the full burden of these costs onto passengers. Consequently, PIA has eliminated almost all ticket discounts, maintaining concessions only for infants and children.
To further mitigate losses, the airline issued a new circular under a government-led austerity drive. The directive mandates that pilots use only one engine while taxiing aircraft to the runway. Furthermore, the airline will now load food on domestic and Saudi Arabian flights based strictly on passenger headcounts to reduce weight and save fuel.
Transitioning to cargo operations, PIA has decided to impose war risk charges on all shipments. Officials attributed this move to the volatile security situation in the Middle East and the resulting spike in operational risks. The airline also instructed staff to use electric generators only during emergencies to lower utility expenses.
Despite these cutbacks, management expressed hope that international fuel prices will normalize soon. The airline plans to restore the affected routes once the global energy market stabilizes.
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