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Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has paused its flights to Chitral, citing a shortage of aircraft and a significant decline in passenger demand, officials told the Senate on Monday. The decision follows a drop in the route’s passenger load, making operations unsustainable.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, explained that PIA operated ATR aircraft on the Chitral route until 2022, achieving an average passenger load of 64 percent. Over time, this figure fell to just 41 percent. With only two ATR aircraft currently available, the airline’s capacity to maintain certain regional routes has been further restricted.
Dr. Chaudhry also mentioned that an earlier attempt to privatize PIA did not progress, though the process has now resumed. Lawmakers raised concerns over limited flights to other destinations, including Quetta, which the minister said would be conveyed to PIA’s chief executive.
Government Response
During the Senate session, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar assured that the restoration of the Senate Standing Committee on Aviation would be brought to the attention of the Prime Minister.
The development highlights the ongoing operational and financial challenges for PIA as it strives to maintain connectivity to remote regions despite fleet limitations.
