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Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed regular operations after a series of cancellations and delays caused by technical issues, maintenance backlogs, and staff shortages earlier this week. The airline said its teams worked round the clock to stabilise the network following multiple aircraft being grounded.
Several planes were taken out of service for technical defects and routine checks, including aircraft AP-BMX, which was pulled from the Karachi–Islamabad route due to an engine exhaust cone fault. This led to the cancellation of PK-308, PK-309, and PK-451/452. Islamabad–Karachi flight PK-369 and the Islamabad–Skardu round trip were also cancelled. Delays affected PK-287, PK-286, PK-217, PK-262, and other international routes. A Dubai–Sialkot flight remained grounded due to a brake system defect.
The airline cited maintenance schedules, unavailability of spare parts, and limited technical manpower as the primary causes. The Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SEAP) highlighted that safety compliance and airworthiness take priority even when they disrupt operations.
Updated Flight Status After Restoration
After adjustments in slots and crew deployment, PIA confirmed the following on-time departures:
- PK-783 Karachi–Toronto
- PK-701 Islamabad–Manchester
Meanwhile, several flights departed with significant delays, including PK-747 from Lahore to Medina with a 14-hour delay, PK-761 from Karachi to Jeddah with a 12-hour delay, and PK-741 Islamabad–Medina with a 6-hour delay. Other delayed flights included PK-300, PK-233, PK-245, and PK-755.
Five flights were cancelled due to load adjustments, and affected passengers were provided alternative arrangements.
PIA said flight operations are now fully restored and reiterated that passenger convenience remains a priority. The airline stressed that long-term operational stability depends on the availability of skilled technical staff, timely access to spare parts, and improved fleet planning and scheduling.
According to the airline, these measures are essential to ensure smooth operations and prevent the kind of widespread disruptions experienced this week.
