Islamabad: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced a cessation of all passenger fare discounts and a reduction in its flight operations, as the escalating prices of jet fuel continue to challenge the airline's financial footing, according to a report from Dawn.
A representative for the airline confirmed that such concessions will now solely apply to infants and children, with all other discounts being terminated. This decision forms part of a wider strategy aimed at managing costs in light of the rising fuel charges.
“PIA has taken a firm step to discontinue all discounts, keeping only those for young passengers,” the representative stated, adding that this initiative followed a comprehensive review of rising fuel costs and anticipated losses.
In recent weeks, the cost of jet fuel (JP-1) has seen a dramatic rise, attributed to global supply issues related to the ongoing US-Israel confrontation with Iran, putting additional strain on airlines in the area.
Consequently, PIA has reduced its flight frequencies and has temporarily paused several international routes. Weekly flights to the UAE are now limited to 16, while services to other Gulf nations—except for Saudi Arabia—are suspended through the end of April.
Moreover, the airline has ceased its routes to Beijing and Kuala Lumpur, effective April 11 and April 14, respectively.
Officials have indicated that these actions follow a fourth consecutive rise in jet fuel prices, which has significantly increased operational expenses.
“We cannot transfer the entire burden of rising fuel costs to our passengers,” the representative pointed out, stressing the urgency of administrative measures to curtail financial losses.
Experts in the industry have expressed concern regarding the sustainability of airline operations, particularly after Arif Habib, chairman of the PIA Consortium, noted a staggering 150 percent increase in fuel costs, heightening financial pressures on the national carrier.
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