PIA restores Skardu flights to rescue stranded tourists

In response to the dire situation faced by tourists stranded in the northern areas due to road blockades and flight cancellations, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the national flag carrier, has taken action. PIA has announced a rescue plan, involving six flights departing from Islamabad to Gilgit and Skardu.

The predicament arose as PIA had to cancel multiple flights to and from Gilgit and Skardu because of a fuel crisis and extreme weather conditions limiting land routes. Minister of State Wasi Shah promptly intervened and reached out to the relevant authorities to organize flights for the stranded tourists, recognizing the adverse impact on the tourism industry.

To address PIA's urgent financial obligations, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has sanctioned a bridge financing package of Rs. 8 billion. This funding will be sourced from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to meet PIA's pressing payment needs. The ECC has granted approval for the Aviation Division to proceed with a bilateral arrangement between CAA and PIA. Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, the Caretaker Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue, and Economic Affairs, presided over the meeting, as reported in a statement by the finance ministry.