ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has decided to suspend its flight operations in Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, and Gulf countries over recent hikes in jet fuel prices, the airline said on Monday.
In a statement on Monday, the national flag carrier said it is suspending flights to Gulf countries, except Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, till the end of April. The UAE operation has been limited to 16 weekly flights.
While flights to Beijing and Kuala Lumpur will be suspended from April 11 and 14, respectively.
According to a spokesperson, a high-level meeting was held in which a plan was drawn up to address the rising jet fuel prices and potential losses in the organization.
“PIA management has taken the decision in the context of the fourth increase in expensive jet fuel,” the airline said.
The PIA spokesperson said that the management emphasised that the entire burden of fuel prices cannot be put on the passengers, so some strict administrative decisions have been taken.
“It is hoped that prices at the international level will soon return to normal levels, after which all affected routes will be restored,” the statement said.
Last week, jet fuel averaged at $195 a barrel, according to the International Airport Transport Association, more than double the average last year. On Friday, the jet fuel price in Pakistan was increased by Rs40 ($0.14), taking it to Rs517.17 ($1.86) per liter, local media reported, citing aviation sources.
War risk charges on cargo shipments
Furthermore, PIA has issued a new circular, announcing the war risk charges on cargo shipments on PIA flights.
It said that the war situation in the Middle East and the sharp increase in aircraft fuel prices have led to a financial crisis for PIA.
The airline further announced it was ending discounts given to students, bankers, senior citizens, journalists, retired military personnel, and members of the Airport Security Force in view of the increase in jet fuel prices.
“Only children and newborns will continue to receive discounts,” PIA clarified.
In the circular, the PIA management has said that one engine should be used while taxiing the planes to the runway. While food should be loaded keeping in mind the passengers for domestic flights, and Saudi Arabia flight operations, extra food will be banned.
“This will help in carrying extra fuel, and the electric generator should be used only in emergencies,” it said.
