Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operations came to a standstill as aircraft engineers went on strike, refusing to issue airworthiness clearances in protest against the airline’s management.

The move has paralyzed flight operations nationwide, affecting both domestic and international routes.

Sources confirmed that since 8pm on Monday, no international PIA flight has departed from any airport across the country. At least twelve international flights have been disrupted so far, leaving hundreds of passengers — including Umrah pilgrims — stranded at airports.

Flights from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar to destinations including Jeddah, Medina, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Dammam were unable to take off. These include Karachi–Jeddah flights PK 761 and 832, Lahore–Abu Dhabi flights PK 263 and 264, and Islamabad–Dubai flights PK 233 and 284.

Engineers demand CEO’s removal

The Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP) announced that its members have stopped issuing airworthiness certificates, demanding that the airline’s CEO “change his attitude.”

The union said it would not resume work until management “corrects its behavior,” accusing leadership of ignoring legitimate employee concerns.

To resume flight operations, PIA management has reportedly sought alternative engineering support from other airlines. The spokesperson claimed that efforts are underway to clear pending flights and restore normal operations as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the airline’s CEO has ordered strict disciplinary action against the engineers involved in the protest, terming their actions a “threat to national aviation operations.”

Passengers stranded

At airports in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar, frustrated passengers have been waiting for hours with little clarity on rescheduled flights.

Many of them are Umrah pilgrims, some of whom expressed concerns about missing their scheduled rituals in Saudi Arabia.