Private Airlines Face Challenges After PIA Privatisation, NA Committee Told

Islamabad: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Defence on Wednesday discussed the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and the growing challenges faced by private airlines, expressing concern that conditions in the private aviation sector are not encouraging.

Chairman of the committee, Fatehullah Khan, said that while PIA’s privatisation is a historic step that could help revive the national carrier, the situation of private airlines remains difficult and the aviation sector needs strong support to ensure sustainable growth. Issues faced by private carriers including Fly Jinnah, Airblue, and others were reviewed in detail.

The meeting, chaired by Fatehullah Khan, was briefed by officials of the Aviation Division on the performance of PIA and private airlines. Discussions focused on flight operations, airfare levels, passenger complaints, service quality, and measures needed to promote the aviation sector.

Concerns were raised over delays in Fly Jinnah flights, declining food quality, and passenger facilities. A representative of Fly Jinnah informed the committee that the airline currently operates 22 international and 72 domestic flights per month but continues to face operational challenges.

Read more: What major changes await PIA under Arif Habib’s leadership?

The Defence Secretary told the committee that some foreign airlines were dissatisfied with the behavior of Pakistani passengers, at times describing it as inappropriate. A proposal was also discussed to launch direct flights from Turbat and Gwadar to Gulf countries to improve regional connectivity.

An Airblue representative said that 11 out of the airline’s 12 aircraft are operational and that internal scheduling improvements are underway. MNA Sharmila Farooqi emphasized the need to support the aviation sector to attract more investment and suggested that Fly Jinnah review its onboard menu to improve passenger satisfaction.

The committee decided to invite the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the Secretary Finance to the next meeting to address sales tax and financial issues facing the aviation industry.

Concluding the session, the chairman stressed the need to ensure a level playing field in the aviation sector so that private airlines can grow and passengers can be provided with better and more reliable services.