Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has grounded 11 aircraft, due to financial crisis and inability to procure spares parts. The grounded aircraft include three 777s that the airline used for long-haul services. Out of these, two were grounded in 2020 and one in 2021. Five A320 aircraft have also been grounded, two in 2021 and three in 2023. PIA also grounded three ATR aircraft one each in 2020, 2022 and 2023.
A spokesman for PIA confirmed that 11 aircraft have been grounded due to a lack of funds to buy spare parts as the national flag carrier is facing serious financial challenges, including dependency on foreign currency.
A senior official of the airline said the PIA fleet consisted of 31 aircraft and three of the 11 grounded planes Boeing 777, Airbus and ATR are beyond repair for want of engines and other parts.
PIA is currently operating with the remaining 20 aircraft in its fleet but will face huge crisis if the demand increases.