RAWALPINDI: Pak­istan International Air­lines is on the verge of a shutdown as it has cancelled over 300 flights in the past 10 days due to the unavailability of fuel and financial crisis, a national carrier’s spokesman has confirmed.

The airline is facing arguably its worst crisis in history as Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has cut the fuel supply over unpaid dues. The move forced the airline to cancel 322 flights, including 134 on international routes, since Oct 14.

On Tuesday, 51 flights, including 27 on domestic routes, were cancelled, as per the spokesman.

The widespread cancellation of flights has left thousands of passengers in distress. The airline management has been unable to give them a tentative time of departure for their flights, compelling them to look for seats on other airlines.

The spokesman said the management was trying to accommodate passengers on alternative flights and apologised for the problems caused by the cancellations.

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2023