The PIA plane at Lahore airport. Photo by Reuters.
Pakistan International Airlines, once known as a pioneer in regional aviation, has today become a symbol of a serious institutional crisis in Pakistan. In this context, it is worth noting the publication by Asian News Post.
The airline was previously an important player, helping to establish national carriers in other countries in the region; however, it now faces constant flight delays, unpaid salaries, and protests over safety violations—all of which indicate that PIA has lost not only altitude but also direction.
Crisis Triggered by Engineer Protests
Problems began when the Society of Aviation Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP) protested against low wages and growing safety concerns.What started as a quiet protest with black armbands turned into a massive crisis that effectively paralyzed air travel across the country.Passengers, many of whom were heading to Saudi Arabia, found themselves waiting at airports as engineers refused to sign airworthiness certificates.
For PIA, already deep in debt and inefficient, this was a blow at a critical moment.
SAEP representatives claim that their demands are a result of years of neglect. While pilots receive regular pay raises, engineers' salaries have remained stagnant for nearly a decade.
Moreover, they raise concerns about serious violations: engineers have repeatedly been forced to use old or worn-out parts, jeopardizing passenger safety.
The refusal to comply with such directives led to management's dissatisfaction and the dismissal of key union leaders.
Accusations of "Sabotage" from Management
PIA claims that the protest is "illegal" and politically motivated, accusing SAEP of attempting to derail the privatization process supported by the government.To justify their actions against the engineers, authorities refer to the law on essential services, which prohibits strikes in critical sectors.
Nevertheless, behind this legal rhetoric lies a serious crisis caused by decades of political interference, incompetent management, and chronic financial problems.
PIA: From National Pride to a Cautionary Tale
PIA's losses have accumulated over the years and now exceed $2.5 billion. The fleet is outdated, flights are canceled, and the reputation is shattered. The company's decline is steady: from flight cancellations to bans by international regulators.Once, the airline trained pilots for Emirates and Singapore Airlines; now it serves as an example of how state enterprises crumble under the weight of political appointments and incompetence.The conflict with the engineers highlights the scale of degradation. Without an engineer's signature, a plane cannot take off, and their refusal has effectively halted the company's operations.
After 8:00 PM on November 3, all PIA international flights were canceled. This highlights the fragility of the airline's infrastructure.
Confirmed Concerns of Engineers
Earlier this year, one of PIA's flights to Jeddah returned to Lahore due to a cracked windshield. Engineers claim they had warned management about the issues but were ignored.This served as a troubling reminder of the growing risks in Pakistani aviation. Similar incidents undermine trust and damage Pakistan's international reputation, already tarnished by scandals involving fake pilot licenses and violations of standards.
Dismissals of SAEP Leaders Escalated the Conflict
The dismissal of SAEP President Abdullah Jadun and General Secretary Awais Jadun only heightened tensions. Management accuses them of leaking confidential information, while engineers view it as punishment for speaking the truth.SAEP plans to challenge the dismissals in court, and this confrontation is already seriously hindering the airline's operations.
The Decline of PIA: Part of a Broader Aviation Crisis in Pakistan
The issues facing PIA are just the tip of the iceberg. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has faced criticism for corruption and serious deficiencies. Following the crash of flight PK8303 in 2020, international bodies discovered that a third of Pakistani pilots had questionable licenses. As a result, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) banned PIA from operating flights to Europe, and this ban is still in effect.Privatization: Hope or New Threat?
The government claims that the only way out is to privatize PIA. However, few investors are willing to take risks with an airline burdened by massive debts, corruption, and political interference. Employees fear mass layoffs and loss of social guarantees. Experts warn that without serious structural reforms, privatization will change nothing.For decades, PIA has been used as a tool of political power, with positions allocated not based on professionalism but on loyalty. As a result, an inflated workforce, paralyzed bureaucracy, and an inability to adapt to market conditions have emerged.
The Human Cost of the Crisis
Delayed flights, suffering passengers, and rising safety risks have become the new norm. Even pilgrims, who were once one of PIA's key customer groups, are now choosing foreign airlines.The national carrier, once representing Pakistan on the international stage, now struggles to provide domestic flights.
The sight of planes grounded in Karachi and Lahore has become a symbol of a country paralyzed by internal conflicts, corruption, and a lack of effective leadership.
A Story of the Nation's Fate, Not Just the Airline
The technical dispute over salaries and spare parts has exposed the fragility of the governance system. The crisis at PIA is not just a failure of an airline; it reflects the decline of the institutional capacity of the state.Engineers, who are now fighting for safety and justice, were once part of a system that symbolized progress and national pride. Today, their struggle illustrates the reality of a country where even the sky no longer guarantees a smooth flight.
