KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) operational crisis worsened on Wednesday as management’s continued failure to contact the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP) raised serious questions about the airline’s crisis management capabilities, while passengers faced another day of widespread flight cancellations and delays.
In its statement, SAEP strongly denied that PIA management has made any attempt to establish contact with the organization, contradicting earlier reports, suggesting negotiations were underway to resolve the standoff that has crippled the national carrier’s operations.
“Until now, no negotiations or contacts have been made with SAEP at any level,” the organization said, exposing a critical breakdown in communication as the aviation crisis enters its second day with no resolution in sight.
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“Aircraft engineers’ stance is based solely on aviation safety, professional dignity, and protection of principled standards,” the statement said. “Engineers are not acting for any personal or financial interest, but are committed to ensuring safe flights and maintaining high engineering standards.”
The engineers’ position is rooted entirely in aviation safety, professional standards, and regulatory compliance concerns, not wage demands, SAEP said.
According to PIA’s flight schedule, multiple flights were cancelled or severely delayed on Wednesday across major airports: PK-302, PK-304, PK-306, PK-761, PK-370, PK-536, PK-308, PK-303, PK-601, PK-603, PK-181, PK-331, and PK-739. When contacted, PIA spokesman Abdullah was unavailable for comment.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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