AFP/Karachi
A go-slow by disgruntled pilots has forced flag-carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to cancel dozens of flights at a cost of millions of dollars, the company’s spokesman said yesterday.
Sultan Hassan said losses had reached nearly $6mn over the past six days as the pilots, who are protesting over pay, employ various disruptive tactics such as calling in sick just before flights.
“So far 16 international and 11 domestic flights have been cancelled due to pilots’ go-slow protests,” he said.
“It has caused us Rs450mn loss so far and the losses could increase if the situation persists further,” Hassan said.
The go-slow has affected hundreds of passengers destined mainly for Europe, prompting protests by stranded travellers at Lahore and Islamabad airports.
Members of PIA’s senior management who are qualified pilots have been forced to man the planes in a bid to mitigate cancellations.
“Our senior general managers are also operating the flights to avoid delays and cancellations,” Hassan said.
The Pakistan Airlines Pilots Association (PALPA) said it wants at least 35% raise for the pilots. The airline said raising the salaries would cost Rs640mn.
PIA has suffered huge losses of $930.694mn over the past five years, company officials say. |
