The Senate was informed on Tuesday that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) incurred an estimated revenue loss of nearly Rs200 billion from August 2020 to December 2024 due to the fake pilot license scandal.
During the Question Hour session, the Ministry of Defence submitted a written reply, stating that senators from Balochistan staged a protest over inactive airports and the absence of flight operations in the province.
According to the details shared with the House, Balochistan has 11 airports, of which only three Quetta International Airport, Gwadar International Airport and Turbat International Airport are currently operational.
It was further revealed that Dalbandin Airport does not have a runway. Zhob, Pasni and Panjgur airports are operational but remain closed due to suspension of flight operations, while Khuzdar and Sibi airports are shut owing to a lack of flights.
Ormara and Jiwani airports have been closed since 2004. Since 2005, the Pakistan Navy has been managing the two airports under a memorandum of understanding.
Minister of State Shaza Mansab Ali Khan told the Senate that commercial flights in Balochistan are not financially viable due to low passenger numbers.
During the session, a senator from Balochistan protested over the issue, prompting Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar to assure the House that a meeting would be arranged between senators and PIA management to explore a solution for restoring flight operations in the province.
