More than 600 intercontinental and regional flights of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have been cancelled the last five days due to strikes among staff. The strikes are the result of the plans of the government to privatize the airline.
The management of the company has now called on Saudi Airlines, Etihad Airways, Air Blue and Shaheen Airlines to transport passengers with a valid ticket. These companies, however, are having difficulties to actually provide the agreed number of seats, according to PIA management.
The loss-making company with 19,000 employees is at risk having to dismiss half the staff if the privatization process goes through.
