ISLAMABAD: The privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is anticipated to occur in late December 2025, citing insider sources.
Sources revealed that the initial bidding round saw offers as low as Rs 10 billion, which was considered insufficiently valued. As a result, the government plans to relist the airline for auction. The Privatisation Commission has yet to specify an exact date for the upcoming bidding process.
In the current fiscal period, PIA reported a pre-tax profit of Rs 11.5 billion in the first half. The airline maintains a fleet of 16 aircraft, serving both domestic and international routes to destinations including Canada, the UK, France, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other countries.
Last year, PIA posted a profit of Rs 26.2 billion. Officials believe that resolving existing fleet limitations could boost earnings by an additional Rs 2 to 3 billion in the upcoming year.
At present, PIA’s total fleet comprises 32 aircraft, but half of them 16 are grounded due to engine problems and a lack of spare parts. Industry insiders suggest that if the airline can increase operational aircraft and address fleet shortages, the need for privatization might be avoided altogether.
