RAWALPINDI, PAKISTAN: Air travel chaos unfolded on Sunday as aircraft engineers at major airports went on strike, disrupting Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operations and leaving hundreds of Saudi-bound passengers stranded. The walkout, triggered by pay disputes and opposition to the airline’s looming privatisation, crippled flight schedules nationwide.
According to reports, engineers at Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi airports halted routine maintenance work, forcing several PIA flights — particularly Umrah services — to be delayed or cancelled. Passengers endured long waits and confusion, with some spending hours at terminals without official communication or assistance.
PIA management has called the strike “illegal” under the Essential Services Act, which prohibits employees in critical sectors from abandoning duty. The airline’s spokesperson accused the protesting engineers of trying to sabotage operations, insisting that steps were being taken to resume normal flight activity, including engaging external technical support.
Union representatives, however, maintain that their protest stems from “long-ignored grievances,” claiming that management has failed to address salary discrepancies and ensure job security amid privatisation plans. The deadlock has drawn sharp criticism from travellers and religious groups, who argue that the strike’s timing — coinciding with peak Umrah season — has unfairly burdened pilgrims.
The standoff underscores growing tension between PIA’s workforce and administration, as the national carrier continues to battle operational losses, workforce unrest, and international competition. With negotiations underway, it remains uncertain when full flight operations will be restored.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.