KARACHI – Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) continues to struggle with flight delays as the airline attributes disruptions to a “strike” by the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP). However, the SAEP has refuted the claim, insisting that engineers are merely adhering to safety and certification protocols required by aviation law.
“The SAEP and its members are strictly working within the rules and procedures defined in the PIA Engineering Manual and Pakistan Civil Aviation Regulations,” a senior SAEP official told Dawn. “The situation has been misinterpreted as a strike, but our engineers are simply complying with mandatory safety checks,” he added.
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The official said these protocols are essential to ensure aircraft airworthiness and passenger safety — responsibilities that cannot be compromised. He criticised the PIA management for “misleadingly labelling lawful compliance as disruption” instead of resolving long-standing professional and financial concerns.
On Tuesday, three PIA flights to Saudi Arabia and one to Dubai departed from Islamabad, Karachi, and Peshawar after long delays, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at airports for hours. Officials said the airline had to rely on “alternative means” to keep operations running.
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A PIA spokesperson, meanwhile, dismissed the SAEP’s actions, claiming the group had “no legal status” and was attempting to derail the airline’s ongoing privatisation process. Similar delays have been reported over the past two months as engineers push for salary increases and improved working conditions.