Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Pakistan Flight Disruptions Amid PIA-Engineers Dispute
Imagine the pilots and mechanics who make sure planes are safe to fly are having a big disagreement with the airline's bosses.
The mechanics group, called SAEP, says there aren't enough spare parts for planes and that some planes might not be fit to fly.
They also say their pay hasn't been fixed in a long time.
Because of this, they are not giving their final okay for some flights.
The airline, PIA, says they are not on strike and that another important group, the Civil Aviation Authority, is in charge of plane safety.
But because of this fight, many flights were cancelled, leaving passengers stuck at airports.
Multiple flights were cancelled across Pakistan over the weekend due to a dispute between PIA and the SAEP.
PIA attributes disruptions to weather or operational reasons, denying an engineers' strike.
SAEP claims flight problems persist due to management's refusal to discuss issues like spare parts and aircraft fitness.
PIA states that air safety oversight is the responsibility of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), not SAEP.
Passengers faced cancellations and delays, with SAEP demanding salary revisions, timely spare parts, and an improved work environment.
- Who
- Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP)
- What
- Escalating dispute leading to flight cancellations and passenger disruptions
- When
- Over the weekend
- Where
- Across Pakistan, specifically mentioning Karachi and Lahore airports
- Why
- Disagreement over SAEP's role in air safety, spare parts availability, scheduling, aircraft fitness, and pending salary revisions.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP)
Cause of Flight Disruptions
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
Disruptions are due to weather conditions or operational reasons, not an engineers' strike. Stand-by arrangements have been made.
Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP)
Flight operations will continue to face problems unless management holds talks on serious issues including spare parts, scheduling, and aircraft fitness.
Role in Air Safety
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
Air safety oversight is the responsibility of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), not SAEP. PCAA regulates all airlines under strict international standards.
Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP)
SAEP plays a critical role in ensuring air safety by clearing aircraft for flight and has been flagging concerns for months.
Motivations for Concerns
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
Reports linking cancellations to a strike are fabricated. SAEP is accused of trying to sabotage privatization or raise pay.
Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP)
SAEP's demands include salary revision pending for eight years, timely access to spare parts, and an improved working environment.
- Airline
- Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
- Engineers' Body
- Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP)
- Reported Issues by SAEP
- Shortage of spare parts, scheduling issues, aircraft fitness, salary revision pending for 8 years
- PIA's Stance on Safety Oversight
- Responsibility lies with Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA)
- Impact on Passengers
- Flight cancellations and lengthy delays at airports like Karachi and Lahore