Federal Minister for Aviation Khawaja Asif informed the National Assembly that the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to be completed by the end of October.
Addressing concerns about the prolonged closure of Hyderabad airport for commercial flights, Asif explained that reopening PIA routes in this sector is financially unfeasible due to the airline’s current debt of Rs. 800 billion. However, he noted that the government would not oppose a private airline operating from Hyderabad airport.
Additionally, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar reported that the government is working to resume PIA flights to the UK, with adjustments made to meet UK Aviation Authority requirements. He also attributed the grounding of PIA flights in Europe, the UK, and other Western regions to an irresponsible statement by a former PTI minister.
Dar further mentioned that the government is making progress on privatizing PIA and outsourcing Islamabad International Airport, with plans to finalize these processes by October 10th.
