A total of 18 domestic flights operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) were either cancelled or delayed on Tuesday due to an interruption in the airline's fuel supply.
This occurred as a result of the airline's failure to settle its outstanding payments. Local media reported on the incident.
''Four of PIA's flights were delayed and 14 more were cancelled due to a discontinuation in fuel supply,'' as reported by the Pakistani daily newspaper, Dawn.
''The incident occurred after the Pakistan State Oil (PSO) stopped supplying fuel to the PIA for non-payment of dues,'' the report cited official sources as saying.
Confirming severe disruption of flight operations, a PIA spokesperson reported that four flights will still depart despite cancellations. However, the departures will be subject to lengthy delays.
Pakistan Mulls Privatizing National Airline
Pakistan is considering selling its state-owned PIA. Privatisation of the airline is considered "essential to eliminate these losses and improve its operational efficiency", local media recently reported.
The national carrier has emerged as the prime candidate for privatisation due to its consistent annual losses running into billions of rupees.
The move is reportedly being considered against the backdrop of the Pakistani government's plan to "disinvest from major loss-making state-owned enterprises to avoid a significant financial drain".
The country's Privatisation Commission board recently discussed the matter during a single-agenda meeting.