Summary PIA rejected all 3 demands by PALPA, 70 flights cancelled in 5 days, costs govt Rs. 400 million
ISLAMABAD: (Dunya News) – Negotiations between Pakistan International Airline (PIA) and Pakistan Air Line Pilots Association (PALPA) have on Monday failed. PIA rejected all 3 demands of PALPA. Meanwhile, 70 flights have been cancelled during the last 5 days and these cancelled flights have cost the government of Pakistan over Rs. 400 million, reported Dunya News.
Talking to media after the talks, Spokesperson for Civil Aviation Division Sher Ali Khan said that he has national interest before him. He said that the demands are equivalent to challenging the PIA management. He said that he was unable to accept PALPA’s preconditions. He said that the passengers were facing problems due to the pilots’ attitude. “Immediate measures will be taken in order to restore all flights including the Hajj flights”, said Sher Ali Khan.
On the other hand, President PALPA Aamir Hashmi said that there was no representative from PIA in the talks. He said that none of PALPA’s demands were unfair according to the rules and regulations of PIA and Civil Aviation. He said that it was quite possible that PIA wants to implement the Services Act by force.
On the other hand, private companies have hiked tickets prices by at least 100 percent taking advantage of the situation. One-side journey between Karachi and Islamabad is costing at least Rs 27,000 whereas private airlines are charging Rs 24,000 from Karachi to Lahore.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has borne losses worth millions in five days of pilots’ strike. The strike was called by pilots association after CAA revoked licenses for two pilots in the last week.
Read more: Govt-Palpa fail to find common grounds, talks will continue today
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has also taken notice of increase in the flight fares of the private airlines. In a statement issued from PM House, the PM was extremely annoyed over the problems being faced by the passengers due to increase in the fares. Taking notice of the increase, PM ordered inquiry into the matter and directed to present him a report. He also instructed to get the increased tariffs of the private airlines reverted.
