Post by : Badri Ariffin

Islamabad: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has halted all passenger fare discounts and has reduced its overall flight operations as escalating jet fuel prices continue to impact the airline's financial health, as reported by Dawn.

A representative from PIA confirmed that discounts will now apply only to children and infants, as all other offers have been terminated. This decision is part of a comprehensive strategy to manage rising costs linked to fuel expenses.

“PIA has taken a definitive stance to eliminate all discounts, retaining only those for children and infants,” stated the spokesperson, noting that this decision followed an in-depth review of increasing fuel costs and anticipated financial losses.

Recently, jet fuel (JP-1) prices have seen significant increases due to global supply challenges, specifically related to the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, adding further financial pressure on airlines operating in the region.

Consequently, PIA has decreased flight frequencies and temporarily suspended several international routes. The number of flights to the UAE will be restricted to 16 per week, while connections to other Gulf nations—excluding Saudi Arabia—will be paused until the end of April.

Additionally, the airline has confirmed the suspension of its routes to Beijing and Kuala Lumpur, effective on April 11 and April 14, respectively.

Officials mentioned that these actions follow a fourth consecutive hike in jet fuel prices, which has substantially inflated operational costs.

“We cannot transfer the entire burden of increased fuel prices onto our passengers,” the spokesperson emphasized, highlighting the necessity for strategic measures to mitigate financial losses.

Experts in the aviation industry have expressed concerns regarding the viability of airline operations, especially after Arif Habib, chairman of the PIA Consortium, indicated a staggering 150 percent rise in fuel costs, intensifying financial hurdles for the national carrier.

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