RAWALPINDI: Pak­istan International Air­lines (PIA) operated 52 flights on Thursday, though its two international flights — one from Islamabad to Jeddah and the other from Lahore to Kuala Lumpur — were delayed.

PIA claimed that its flight operation, disturbed due to a halt in fuel supply, has been normalised as it has scheduled 48 flights for Friday.

Of the 48 flights, 32 will be operated on international routes while 16 will be operated on domestic routes.

A spokesman for PIA said Thursday was a normal day as 52 flights were operated.

However, two international flights — one from Islamabad to Jeddah was delayed for about one hour and 15 minutes while another flight from Lahore to Kuala Lumpur was departed with a delay of one hour and 45 minutes.

He said PIA’s flight operation has become normal as there was no cancellation of flights due to fuel supply or any other reasons on Thursday.

The spokesman said flight schedule is returning to normal after arrangement of funds for fuel provision.

PIA’s primary focus remains on ensuring seamless flight operations for key international routes such as Toronto, Saudi Arabia, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, and Dubai, said the spokesman.

Concurrently, efforts are being made to gradually restore normalcy on domestic flight routes.

The PIA spokesperson said the airline’s regretted any inconveniences experienced by its passengers during the recent flight disruptions.

He mentioned that PIA successfully secured funds from its internal sources.

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2023