Pakistan's aviation sector plunged into chaos on Tuesday as protesting engineers from Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) brought the national carrier's operations to a grinding halt, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at airports across the country.
Nationwide Flight Disruptions
The protest, organized by the Pakistan Airlines Pilots Association (PALPA) and Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP), resulted in the cancellation of numerous domestic and international flights. Major airports including Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar witnessed unprecedented scenes of frustration as travelers faced indefinite delays and last-minute cancellations.
"We have been left with no choice but to protest after months of unpaid salaries and broken promises from management," stated one senior aircraft engineer participating in the demonstration. "The administration's failure to address our legitimate concerns has forced this drastic action."
Passenger Fury Mounts
Airports transformed into scenes of confusion and anger as affected passengers scrambled for alternative arrangements. Many took to social media to express their outrage, sharing videos of crowded terminals and frustrated travelers confronting airline staff.
"I was supposed to attend an important business meeting in Dubai, but now I'm stuck at Karachi airport with no information about when I'll be able to travel," complained Ahmed Raza, a businessman among the stranded passengers. "This is completely unacceptable from our national carrier."
Protesters' Demands
The protesting engineers have presented several key demands to PIA management:
- Immediate payment of outstanding salaries
- Resolution of promotion disputes
- Addressing service structure concerns
- Implementation of previously agreed-upon terms with the administration
Airline's Response
PIA officials have acknowledged the disruptions and stated they are working to resolve the situation. However, no concrete timeline has been provided for when normal operations might resume. The airline has advised passengers to confirm their flight status before heading to airports and promised to accommodate affected travelers on alternative flights once operations normalize.
The protest highlights the ongoing challenges facing Pakistan's national airline, which has been grappling with financial difficulties and operational challenges for several years. As negotiations continue between the engineers and PIA management, thousands of passengers remain caught in the crossfire, their travel plans uncertain and their patience wearing thin.
