Dhaka: Pakistan International Airlines’ domestic flight operations were disrupted over non-payment of dues, leading to a complete halt in the supply of jet fuel to the carrier, as per reports.

Reports cited official sources saying that Pakistan State Oil (PSO) halted the supply of jet fuel to the country’s national carrier on October 17. As a result, the airline cancelled 14 domestic flights while four others were delayed by several hours.

The cancelled flights included two from Islamabad to Gilgit, one from Islamabad to Quetta, one from Karachi to Sukkur, one from Islamabad to Multan and another from Karachi to Faisalabad, added reports.

PIA flight from Karachi to Lahore was also delayed by about three hours due to the suspension of fuel supply to Karachi airport. PIA flight from Lahore to Karachi also arrived late in Lahore.

Another PIA flight from Karachi to Islamabad was also delayed due to the suspension of jet fuel while another flight from Islamabad to Karachi was delayed too.

Due to the cancellation and delays of PIA flights, hundreds of passengers have been facing serious inconveniences over the past several days, further mentioned the reports, adding that not only fliers but also the crew are bearing the brunt of the current crisis.

The PIA had requested an emergency bailout of PKR 22.9 billion, which was rejected by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC). The ECC also turned down a request by the PIA for deferment of the payment of RS 1.3 billion per month, which the national carrier pays to FBR against FED and RS 0.7 billion per month which it pays against the rising charges, as per reports.