Flight Disruptions in Pakistan Stranding Athletics Team

Karachi, Nov 14 (PTI) - A prolonged dispute with aircraft engineers has led to significant disruptions in domestic and international flights across Pakistan, leaving the nation's athletics squad stranded for over six hours on Friday on their way to Riyadh for a major sporting event. The team's journey, meant for participation in the Islamic Solidarity Games, came to an unexpected halt at Lahore airport.

The athletics contingent, which includes Olympic Gold Medalist Arshad Nadeem and his coach Salman Butt, faced disappointment when they discovered their Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight to Riyadh was delayed by more than six hours due to what was termed as "technical issues." "We came to the airport at 6 a.m. for the 9:25 a.m. flight and have been stranded since then," Butt told PTI at 3 p.m. local time.

The ongoing conflict between PIA, the national flag carrier, and the Society of Aircraft Engineers Pakistan (SAEP) has been intensifying over several weeks. The situation worsened when engineers halted the issuance of airworthiness certificates, grounding multiple aircraft and triggering mass flight cancellations.

While a PIA statement last week attributed cancellations and delays to schedule rationalization, weather conditions, or other operational reasons, it has become evident that the primary cause is the conflict with SAEP. This dispute has disrupted both international and domestic flight operations since last month.

On Friday morning, travelers faced widespread disruptions with several airlines at key airports in Pakistan, as multiple flights were cancelled or delayed. The ongoing quarrel between PIA management and engineers began three months ago and has intensified since the dismissal of two engineer office-bearers who are part of SAEP.

PIA management claims the engineers’ actions are against the Essential Services Act, making strikes or abandonment of work a legal offense. The engineers are demanding better pay and conditions, stating they are merely ensuring aircraft safety through professional inspections.

PIA engineers have previously alleged serious lapses in aircraft maintenance, reducing the operational fleet from 34 to 17. The PIA Air League and the PIA Senior Staff Officers Association (SASA) have announced their support for SAEP in its dispute with the management.

SAEP seeks salary increases, stagnant for eight years, and better working conditions, including timely provision of spare parts. Despite PIA reporting a profit for the first time in two decades, the airline is burdened with liabilities, and the government is pursuing privatization through majority shares.

On November 5, PIA accused SAEP of attempting to disrupt the airline's privatization process by withholding aircraft clearances under the pretext of safety concerns. This ongoing conflict remains a significant hindrance to the aviation sector and the travelers who rely on it.

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