Engineers’ Walkout Disrupts PIA Operations, Dozens of Flights Cancelled

Post by : Raina Nasser

Islamabad, November 4, 2025: A surprise industrial action by aircraft engineers at Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) late Monday night forced the carrier to ground several aircraft and cancel scheduled services, officials confirmed. The stoppage led to the cancellation of at least eight international routes and a number of domestic flights, leaving many travellers marooned at major airports.

The walkout occurred when engineers refused to sign off on mandatory safety clearances, preventing departures from Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi. Waiting passengers reported long delays and scant information on when flights might be rescheduled.

PIA said it has sought temporary assistance from other carriers to supply certified engineers while it works to resume normal operations. “This strike has inflicted significant financial and operational damage, and we are taking steps to restore services as quickly as possible,” said Hafeez Khan, a senior PIA official.

Khan added that both PIA management and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) intend to pursue disciplinary measures against engineers who participated in the action. He argued that the conduct contravened provisions of the essential services legislation and severely disrupted national aviation operations.

Representatives of the Society of Airline Engineers Association defended the stoppage, saying the action will remain in place until PIA and the CAA address longstanding grievances over workplace conditions and treatment. “Our objective is to secure fair terms and dignity for engineers, not to cause chaos,” a spokesperson said.

PIA’s leadership countered that the engineers’ group lacked lawful authority to initiate such a strike without advance notice, describing the action as illegal and irresponsible. Officials also suggested the timing may be aimed at pressuring decision-makers amid ongoing debates over the carrier’s proposed privatisation, which has drawn strong union opposition.

The incident compounds difficulties for Pakistan’s aviation sector, which is already coping with financial strain, operational hurdles and international scrutiny.

Negotiations are ongoing to end the work stoppage and restore flights; passengers are advised to verify flight status with the airline before travelling to airports.