KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) remains mired in operational chaos as the struggling national carrier is scuffling to restore complete flight operations even after 36 hours, facing accusations of violating international aviation regulations by hiring unauthorized third-party engineering services.
The Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP) has condemned PIA’s attempt to bypass its certified engineers by acquiring external engineering services, calling the move illegal under Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations.
“The national flag carrier, instead of taking action to address SAEP concerns, is acquiring third-party engineering services, which is against PCAA and ICAO rules,” SAEP President Abdullah Jadoon told Business Recorder, warning that the airline’s shortcuts could compromise passenger safety and regulatory compliance.
PIA operations halted as engineers suspend certifications
SAEP maintains that only its certified engineers, who hold proper authorisations under PCAA regulations and ANO-145 requirements, are legally permitted to certify aircraft for the national carrier. The use of unauthorised third-party services not only violates regulatory frameworks but potentially exposes PIA to international sanctions and further damage to its already dismal safety reputation, he said.
The crisis has left thousands of passengers facing unprecedented disruptions, with flight delays stretching up to 14 hours and multiple cancellations.
A PIA spokesperson confirmed the severe operational breakdown, revealing disturbing delays that exposed the airline’s inability to restore flight operations.
He said that PK747 Lahore-Madinah was delayed for 14 hours, PK761 Karachi-Jeddah for 12 hours, PK233 Islamabad-Dubai for 9 hours, PK245 Islamabad-Dammam for 7 hours, PK755 Sialkot-Riyadh for 7 hours, PK741 Islamabad-Madinah for 6 hours, and PK300 Karachi-Islamabad was taken off after a 4-hour delay.
Furthermore PIA spokesman said that two international flights—PK783 Karachi-Toronto and PK701 Islamabad-Manchester were the only flights that departed on time after the adjustment of revised slots and crew arrangements. Five flights were cancelled outright, the spokesperson admitted, leaving passengers stranded without clear alternatives.
The deepening crisis stems from PIA management’s refusal to address SAEP’s “mounting concerns over safety standards, maintenance capabilities, and working conditions” despite repeated attempts at dialogue, experts said.
Rather than resolving the underlying issues that forced engineers to suspend certifications, the airline has chosen to circumvent its own certified professionals, raising serious questions about management priorities and commitment to safety protocols, experts said.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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