Tag: domestic flights

  • Private airlines seize opportunity to charge high fares amid PIA flight disruptions

    Private airlines seize opportunity to charge high fares amid PIA flight disruptions

    Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the nation’s flagship carrier, is grappling with operational challenges caused by a shortage of fuel. 

    Concurrently, private airlines are capitalising on this situation for their own advantage.

    In light of the disruption in PIA’s flight operations, private airlines have swiftly increased their fares. Domestic flights are now priced at a range of Rs40,000 to Rs70,000, with Lahore-Karachi routes reaching as high as Rs49,000 per seat. 

    Meanwhile, one-way fares from Karachi to Islamabad are commanding prices between Rs55,000 and Rs61,000.

    This development follows a week of disruptions in PIA’s domestic flight schedule, resulting in a surge of intending passengers. A spokesperson for a private airline attributed the disparity in demand and supply to this sudden influx of travellers.

    Simultaneously, PIA’s financial predicament is deepening, with the cancellation of 35 domestic and foreign flights. The interruption in fuel supply has also caused significant delays for both domestic and international flights across the country. Airline administrations have scrambled to create new departure schedules for these affected flights.

    Regarding outstanding dues, the Pakistan State Oil (PSO) revealed that PIA owed Rs3.45 billion for fuel supplied between October 1 and 18, with an additional Rs195 million provided on the mentioned Thursday. 

    The total liabilities for the current month have reached Rs2.11 billion, compounding PIA’s existing debt of Rs26 billion accumulated over the years. A provisional agreement between PSO and PIA for daily fuel supply in exchange for daily payments has been established.

    The current turmoil in PIA’s flight operations is primarily attributable to the suspension of fuel supply by the Pakistan State Oil due to non-payment of dues. 

    According to Samaa, the suspension has impacted Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar, although international flights remain unaffected. PIA’s financial woes have already led to flight cancellations and delays, making the fuel supply suspension a significant setback for the struggling airline.

  • PIA faces flight cancellations and delays as financial crisis intensifies

    PIA faces flight cancellations and delays as financial crisis intensifies

    Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), currently grappling with severe financial challenges, has been compelled to cancel multiple domestic and international flights.

    An authoritative representative of the national flag carrier conveyed to Geo News that there’s a looming risk of suspending flight operations by September 15, today, unless urgent financial support is extended.

    This predicament initially materialised on August 12, when numerous domestic flights, both departing from and arriving in Karachi, had to be abruptly canceled. This unfortunate situation was attributed to a combination of financial constraints and the inability to settle outstanding dues owed to Pakistan State Oil (PSO) for fuel supply.

    An examination of today’s schedule at Jinnah International Airport reveals a series of disruptions in PIA’s services. Notably, flights from Karachi to Bahawalpur (PK588 and PK589) and Karachi to Lahore (PK302 and PK303) have been canceled.

    Furthermore, the Karachi to Islamabad flight (PK368) faces a three-hour delay, while the Karachi to Lahore flight (PK304) encounters an extensive delay of eight and a half hours.

    Additional disruptions include the cancellation of PIA flights between Karachi and Rahim Yar Khan (PK582 and PK583), along with delays for Karachi to Multan (PK330) and Dubai (PK213), both postponed by two hours.

    Moreover, the Islamabad to Karachi flight (PK301) has been cancelled; Islamabad to Riyadh (PK753) is running three hours behind schedule; and Lahore to Karachi (PK305) faces a delay of two and a half hours.

    PIA’s financial struggles have been escalating, with the airline revealing on September 7 that it had grounded five of its 13 leased aircraft, potentially grounding an additional four due to the ongoing financial strain. 

    A plea for an urgent bailout of Rs22.9 billion was met with rejection by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC). The ECC also declined the request to defer payments, including Rs1.3 billion per month to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for Federal Excise Duty (FED) and Rs0.7 billion per month to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for embarking charges.

    Adding to the airline’s woes, PIA cautioned of possible suspensions in the supply of spare parts by Boeing and Airbus come mid-September. In the previous month, the Federal Board of Revenue of Pakistan (FBR) took the drastic step of freezing 13 PIA bank accounts due to non-payment of Rs8 billion in FED.

  • PIA offers 14% ‘Azadi Offer Discount’ on all domestic flights on Independence Day

    PIA offers 14% ‘Azadi Offer Discount’ on all domestic flights on Independence Day

    On the occasion of the 76th Independence Day, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has extended a generous gesture to its passengers by announcing a significant discount.

    According to ARY News, the national carrier has declared a 14 per cent price reduction on all domestic flights, bringing forth a unique opportunity for citizens to travel within the country at a more affordable cost.

    In an official statement released on Thursday via their Twitter handle, the PIA spokesperson elaborated on the offer, stating that travellers would be able to avail themselves of this limited-time promotion on August 14.

    This special Independence Day discount is being offered as a token of appreciation to fellow compatriots for their unwavering support and patriotism.

    “The discount is a gift from the national carrier to the compatriots for Independence Day,” the spokesperson affirmed, highlighting the airline’s dedication to celebrating the nation’s sovereignty.

    As the nation prepares to commemorate the 76th Independence Day, citizens are set to rally around the ideals of the Pakistan Movement. This annual celebration, which falls on August 14, marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s history and provides an occasion for citizens to renew their commitment to building a robust Islamic welfare state.

    With the PIA’s gracious discount offer, many citizens are expected to capitalise on the opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures that Pakistan has to offer, fostering a sense of unity and connectivity as the nation celebrates its journey towards progress and development.

  • Neighbour who went to resolve dispute between husband and wife, killed by husband

    Neighbour who went to resolve dispute between husband and wife, killed by husband

    A domestic dispute between a husband and wife in India ended in the death of their neighbour who came to help resolve the matter.

    The incident took place in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Hearing the loud sounds coming from the house, the neighbour went there to resolve the dispute, returning home once the matter appeared settled.

    However, after a while, the husband went to the neighbour’s house and tortured him to death.

    According to Indian media, the wife objected to cooking mutton on Tuesday over which a fight broke out between the two.

    Many followers of the Hindu religion consider Tuesday the holiest day of the week and try not to cook any meat on that day.

    After the neighbour’s death, the police registered a complaint against the husband on the basis of his wife’s statement. He was arrested on the same day.

  • Surge in Covid-19 cases: CAA re-imposes restrictions

    Surge in Covid-19 cases: CAA re-imposes restrictions

    The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Monday released a fresh travel advisory instructing all relevant authorities to enforce the usage of masks on domestic flights in view of the ongoing surge of Covid-19 cases in Pakistan.

    According to a notification from CAA, all concerned quarters must ensure compliance with the new order. The notification added that the other Covid-19 guidelines on domestic air travel remained unchanged.

    https://twitter.com/official_pcaa/status/1541127874345930759

    According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), 382 cases of Covid-19 with a positivity rate of 2.85 per cent were reported in Pakistan on June 26.

  • Expansion plan for Lahore airport discussed

    Expansion plan for Lahore airport discussed

    Specifics of the Lahore Airport expansion project were recently discussed at a meeting of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) management, and Nespak.

    According to The News, the runway that is now being constructed was also discussed. The discussion went over the operational issues at Lahore Airport, as well as the concerns that travellers confront, and offered remedies.

    Additionally, the attendees discussed the airport’s security status and the importance of developing a comprehensive security policy. The minister was approached with a suggestion to divide the international and domestic lounges at Lahore Airport.

    Lahore Airport’s expansion is urgently needed, according to Federal Minister for Aviation, Khawaja Saad Rafique, since the confluence of flights is causing passengers complications. The presence of birds within airport boundaries threatens aviation safety.

    The meeting was attended by Civil Aviation Authority Director General Khaqan Murtaza, ASF Director General Major General Abid Latif Khan, Nespak Managing Director Dr Tahir Masood, PIA General Manager Syed Zulqarnain Mehdi, General Manager Technical Support Agha Sami, and government officials.

  • PIA prohibits pilots and cabin crew from fasting during Ramzan

    PIA prohibits pilots and cabin crew from fasting during Ramzan

    Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has prohibited its pilots and cabin staff members from fasting during the holy month of Ramzan.

    As per a recent safety notice released by the national flag carrier, fasting is one of the key factors behind diminished human performance.

    The decision is part of the PIA’s in-flight safety measures, which were recently announced by Aamir Bashir, the PIA’s General Manager (GM) of Flight Services.

    In order to meet the physical and psychological demands of flying, a healthy diet is crucial for pilots. Human errors that result in plane crashes can be minimized by focusing on nutrition due to its strong connection with flying performance.

    On-duty pilots and flying crew members should consider several aspects such as tiredness, performance degradation, and refrain from fasting throughout Ramadan, keeping in view the safety of the innocent lives (passengers and other staff).

    In addition to this, the administration has also allowed pilots and cabin crew members to apply for leave who do not wish to give up fasting during the month of Ramadan.

    Read more: Man hacks airline’s website after he lost his baggage

    Lastly, it also noted that non-compliance with the directive could result in the suspension or cancellation of the flying crew’s licenses.

  • PIA offers 30% discount on domestic flights

    PIA offers 30% discount on domestic flights

    Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has reduced its fares for domestic flights by 30% to facilitate passengers during the winter holidays. The airline has introduced special fares on domestic flights operating between Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Peshawar from December 3 (Thursday) onwards.

    Passengers would now be able to travel between these cities on a one-way minimum fare of Rs8,500 and a round trip minimum fare of Rs17,000. Previously, charges were Rs12,275 and Rs24,600 for the same.

    PIA Spokesperson Abdullah Khan said that the purpose of discounted fares is to facilitate the people travelling to their homes during holidays. He said people can benefit from these fares on a first come first serve basis.

  • Meals banned during domestic flight operations as COVID-19 cases increase

    Meals banned during domestic flight operations as COVID-19 cases increase

    The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Thursday announced that passengers travelling on domestic flights will no longer be served meals in view of the rising COVID-19 cases. As per details, the new COVID-19 SOPs were issued by the NCOC in wake of surging cases of the infection.

    “No meals to be served during all sorts of domestic flight operations. Compulsory wearing of masks by all passengers and the flight crew through the flight,” read the notification by the CAA.

    The rules have been introduced for domestic flights, chartered flights and private aircraft flights.