Non-availability of fuel supply brings PIA flight operation halted

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) could not get funds for fuel payments to the Pakistan State Oil (PSO) owing to which the latter suspended fuel supply to the national flag carrier bringing its flight operation to a halt across the country.

No PIA aircraft could fly in the last 12 hours. Out of PIA’s last four flights, three landed at Islamabad Airport and one at Peshawar Airport. At this time, there is no PIA plane in the air.

The four international flights were returned from Dammam, Al Ain, Madinah and Jeddah.

The last flights included three Boeing and one Airbus aircraft.

So far, PIA has not started its operations at airports today. Seven flights have been put on hold.

PSO cuts off fuel supply to PIA, passengers stuck at airports

At Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, 10 domestic and international flights have also been put on hold.

Six flights from Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport and three international flights of PIA from Sialkot International Airport have also been put on hold due to the non-availability of fuel.

Passengers have complained that there is no proper sitting arrangements for them in the passenger lounge.

Yesterday, PIA officials’ negotiations with the Aviation and Finance Division were not successful. The national flag carrier demanded the immediate release of Rs7 billion in funds for the payment of fuel charges to the Pakistan State Oil (PSO) but the government did not give any assurance and the national airline could not get the funds.

The PIA spokesperson did not give any statement on the availability of funds and fuel.