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Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (PIAC) resumed its full operations Wednesday after bearing a loss of up to Rs 5 to 6 billion due to the strike, which had brought the flight and ground operations of the national carrier to halt for eight days. PIA operated 117 flights on Wednesday including 43 international flights. Due to adjustments being made to accommodate maximum number of passenger load in relatively short time, some change in timings of flights was seen.

A statement issued by PIA spokesman said PIA apologises for the inconvenience caused to valued passengers during the last eight days. The passengers can go to airports according to their reservation schedule. However PIA authorities have strongly recommended contacting PIA contact centers (051-111-786-786 and 021-111-786-786) and get exact timing and confirmation of flights before coming to airports.

In order to facilitate passengers who have suffered due to the strike, PIA has reduced its fares on domestic and major international flights, including Umra fares, with immediate effect to stabilise unrealistic hike in fares and to facilitate its valued customers. Fares on Karachi-Islamabad-Karachi and Karachi-Lahore-Karachi routes would now be starting from Rs 7,500 while return tickets for Umra would start from Rs 54,500 for passengers from Lahore/Islamabad and Rs 44,500 for passengers from Karachi.

Earlier, the government had decided to postpone privatisation of the national flag carrier for a period of six months to calculate its performance. Since the protest was started by the employees of PIA, the government imposed the Pakistan Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1952 on the PIA for six months, barring strikes and protests which have caused immense loss to the national carrier.

BR staff reporter from Karachi adds: When contacted, PIA spokesman confirmed to have reduced fares on domestic and major international flights with immediate effect. He said that airline had also planned to operate 117 flights including 75 domestic 43 international flights on February 10, 2016 and added that around 90 flights had so far been carried out.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2016


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