KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced on Monday the suspension of its operations to Beijing and Kuala Lumpur, effective April 11 and April 14, respectively. Additionally, flights to Gulf countries (excluding the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia) will remain suspended until the end of April. Flights to the UAE will be limited to 16 per week.
According to Media reports, a high-level meeting at PIA resulted in a plan to address rising prices and potential financial losses. During the meeting, PIA decided to eliminate all discounts, except those for children and newborns.
A PIA spokesperson explained that these decisions arose from the recent increase in jet fuel costs. The airline acknowledged that it cannot transfer the entire burden of rising fuel prices to passengers, prompting the need for some strict administrative measures. It is anticipated that international fuel prices will stabilise soon, after which the affected routes will be restored.
In a separate development related to the government’s austerity campaign, PIA issued a circular announcing the imposition of war risk charges on cargo shipments due to the conflict in the Middle East and the significant increase in aircraft fuel prices, which has led PIA into a financial crisis.
The circular also outlined operational adjustments: only one engine will be used while taxiing to the runway, food service on domestic flights and flights to Saudi Arabia will be limited, banning extra food to allow for additional fuel capacity, and the electric generator will be utilised only in emergencies.
