Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has dismissed two senior officials from the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP). The move deepens an ongoing dispute that has already caused significant flight cancellations and delays across the country.
The airline dismissed President Abdullah Khan Jadun and Secretary General Owais Khan Jadun. Official letters state that both were offered personal hearings but failed to appear before the PIA chief executive. An inquiry initiated in 2024 recommended their dismissal under company regulations.
The national carrier linked the dismissals to technical faults in aircraft and violations of operational procedures. PIA management claims the engineers’ refusal to clear aircraft they deemed technically unfit has fueled the conflict.
Read: PIA Flight Disruptions Continue as Protest Enters Second Day
For their part, the engineers have been protesting for several days. They are demanding salary increases, which they state have been frozen for eight years. They are also calling for the timely provision of aircraft spare parts and a less stressful working environment.
The SAEP has maintained a firm stance on safety. The association has stated it will not compromise on operational standards or clear aircraft unless they are fully airworthy.
The protest has severely disrupted PIA’s operations. The airline engaged engineers from a private firm to manage the workload, but this failed to prevent further delays and cancellations.
Abdullah Khan Jadun has stated the dismissal decision will be challenged in court. The standoff between the airline management and its engineering staff remains unresolved, continuing to affect passenger trav
