Pakistan International Airlines ends discounts amid soaring fuel prices

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suspended all passenger discounts—retaining concessions only for children and infants—and reduced the number of flights due to a sharp increase in aviation fuel prices.

The surge in kerosene (JP-1) prices is linked to global supply chain disruptions following the start of the US and Israeli military campaign against Iran, Caliber.Az reports, citing Dawn.

Under the new measures, PIA will limit flights to the UAE to 16 per week and suspend flights to other Gulf countries (except the UAE and Saudi Arabia) until the end of April.

Additionally, flights to Beijing and Kuala Lumpur will be temporarily halted from April 11 and April 14, respectively.

“The PIA management has taken these decisions in view of the fourth consecutive increase in jet fuel prices,” a PIA spokesperson said.

He added that the entire burden of the prices of fuel could not be passed on to passengers; therefore, some strict administrative decisions were taken.

PIA Chairman Arif Habib had earlier warned of operational risks for the airline due to a 150% increase in kerosene prices and urged government intervention.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov