Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the flag carrier of Pakistan, has operated 46 flights without any passengers during 2016-17, incurring a loss of over $1.1 million to the national carrier.
According to the reports, the cash-strapped Pakistan International Airlines flew the empty flights during the time period of 2016 to 2017 leading to a loss of PKR 180 million or $1.1 million. The figures were revealed in an audit report which stated that the airline suffered huge financial losses by operating 46 empty flights from Islamabad.
Reportedly, no inquiry had been launched despite the administration being informed of the huge losses suffered by the PIA (Pakistan International Airlines). The audit report also stated that besides these, the PIA also operated 36 Hajj flights for Hajj pilgrimage without any passengers.
The Pakistani Airlines is struggling to survive as just last month it had laid off nearly 1,000 “redundant staff” and had taken other measures to reduce the operational cost and increase revenues of the cash-strapped national carrier.
Reportedly, cash-strapped PIA has been running into huge financial losses for years now as the airline with 18,000 plus employee and a fleet of 32 aeroplanes has only been increasing its losses gradually every year without incurring any profits.
