Many flights cancelled amid PIA-PALPA dispute

LAHORE (92 News) – Many scheduled flights of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) cancelled on Friday as dispute between Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and PIA Airlines Pilots Association (PALPA) deepened. The dispute has caused cancellation of 11 domestic and 10 international flights since last night, leaving passengers in quandary. The PIA management called upon the pilots and the Pakistan Airline Pilots' Association (PALPA) to desist from strike call, as it would disrupt Hajj flights' schedule and create misery for the hujjaj. The PIA blamed the pilots’ association for cancellation and delay of flights and alleged that the association was blackmailing the management in an effort to make personal gains. A PIA spokesperson urged pilots to put the country's interest and prestige first and not listen to the enticement and threats of the PALPA in the larger interest of the public. The spokesperson said the PALPA had been inciting pilots to report sick at the last minute as a protest against the suspension of licences of two pilots. On the other hand, the Spokesman for PALPA Amir Hashmi said that they were trying to hold dialogues but the government was not ready to serious in holding talks. He said that they will protest against the privatization of the airline, adding that every time the association has been declared responsible for any inability.