Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), which is currently up for sale, has incurred a staggering operational and financial loss exceeding Rs21.81 billion due to the extended grounding of its aircraft for maintenance.
The auditor general’s report reveals that routine maintenance for PIA’s aircraft took between 44 to 239 days, significantly longer than anticipated. This excessive delay, caused by administrative negligence, resulted in major operational disruptions and substantial financial losses totaling Rs21.81 billion.
The report notes that PIA’s management was made aware of the issue in September 2023. However, financial constraints and payment issues severely impeded the airline’s ability to carry out timely repairs and maintenance.
The audit further recommends that the national carrier provide documentary evidence concerning the extended aircraft grounding and related financial matters.
It is important to note that this is not PIA’s first encounter with such problems. Previously, irregularities amounting to Rs38.40 billion were reported, underscoring the serious and recurring nature of these issues.
