‘For-sale’ PIA hit by worst-ever fuel crisis

Once a profitable entity and the pride of a nation, the national flag carrier’s fortunes plummeted to an all-time low on Sunday, when its operations ground to a halt yet again, due to a lack of fuel. While Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), suffering losses to the tune of Rs750 billion, is no stranger to recurring crises, the current situation is probably the most dire in recent years as 77 flights were cancelled on Sunday after Pakistan State Oil (PSO) cut the carrier’s fuel supply. This was the second time in less than seven days that the two state entities have come face to face with each other. PSO claims mounting unpaid dues as the reason for not providing fuel to PIA aircraft. The national carrier had 81 flights — 52 international and 29 on domestic routes — scheduled for take-off on Sunday. However, all but four international flights were cancelled, according to a spokesperson. The airline confirmed that domestic and international flights have been cancelled following the suspension of fuel supply by the PSO. Flights from Lahore to Toronto and Kuala Lumpur, and from Islamabad to Beijing and Istanbul took off on Sunday, the spokesperson said.