Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is confronting a fresh legal challenge after a constitutional petition was filed in the Islamabad High Court, questioning the legality of the airline’s ongoing privatisation. The petition seeks to halt the sale and annul the government-approved transaction finalized late last year.

The case concerns the proposed transfer of a 75 percent stake in PIA, headquartered in Islamabad, to a private consortium. The legal action comes as the government moves forward with what it describes as a landmark reform aimed at reviving the financially troubled national carrier and ensuring long-term operational sustainability.

The Cabinet Committee on Privatisation approved a Rs135 billion bid from a consortium led by the Arif Habib Group for a controlling stake in the airline. The offer exceeded the government’s reference price of Rs115 billion by nearly 35 percent, making it the highest bid in the process.

In addition to the acquisition cost, the consortium has committed to investing between Rs80 billion and Rs125 billion into PIA. These funds are earmarked for fleet modernisation, balance sheet strengthening, and operational restructuring—measures the government considers critical for restoring the airline’s competitiveness and reliability.

The transaction was formally concluded on December 23, 2025, following an Expression of Interest issued on May 7, 2025. Officials have maintained that the sale structure aims to safeguard investor confidence while enabling the state to exit direct airline management.

The petition, filed by Advocate Nabeel Javed Kahloon, contends that the privatisation violates the Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (Conversion) Act, 2016. He argues that PIA qualifies as a trans-provincial institution listed under the Federal Legislative List, Part II, and that any decision to privatise such an entity requires approval from the Council of Common Interests under Article 154 of the Constitution—a step, he claims, that was not taken.

The petition also asserts that Parliament did not authorise the sale and that Sections 3 and 4 of the 2016 Act mandate that any restructuring or asset transfer remain within government-controlled entities. On this basis, the petitioner maintains that the cabinet committee’s decision exceeds its legal authority.

Advocate Kahloon further disputes the government’s financial justification for the privatisation, arguing that claims of PIA being a persistent fiscal burden are misleading. He notes that the airline has not received regular government grants or subsidies, and that its financial challenges primarily stem from debt servicing, governance lapses, and policy decisions, rather than operational losses.

The petition also contests assertions that PIA’s valuation is substantially below its accumulated losses of around Rs800 billion. It alleges misuse of authority, lack of transparency, and arbitrary decision-making in the sale process. Additionally, the filing challenges a December 2023 amendment to the Privatisation Commission Ordinance, arguing that the clause limiting high court jurisdiction does not apply to constitutional matters.

The petitioner has asked the court to declare the December 23, 2025, sale agreement null and void and to suspend all actions related to the May 2025 Expression of Interest.

Qatar Airways has cautioned passengers that refund processing times may be extended due to ongoing operational pressures, while emphasizing that teams are actively working to handle requests as efficiently as possible.

The airline confirmed that travelers holding confirmed bookings with departure dates between February 28 and April 30, 2026, can opt either to request a full refund or modify their travel dates without penalty.

According to the carrier, refunds returned to the original method of payment could take as long as 28 working days to complete. Passengers are advised to monitor their email for updates after submitting a request, as this will provide the latest status of their application.

Qatar Airways noted that reimbursement amounts will reflect the unused portion of the ticket. Any additional services purchased, such as seat selection, will be processed and refunded separately.

Customers looking for further information or support with their bookings are encouraged to consult the airline’s official travel updates portal for the most recent guidance.

Source: Zawya

India is set to abolish temporary limits on domestic airfares from Monday, according to a government directive reviewed by Reuters, as the aviation sector shows signs of recovery and carriers face mounting cost pressures.

The fare restrictions were introduced in December after widespread flight cancellations by leading airline IndiGo led to a spike in ticket prices across the market. The government intervened to stabilise fares during a period of reduced capacity.

In its latest order, the civil aviation ministry said operating conditions have improved, pointing to restored flight capacity and a return to more stable operations. The directive, dated Friday and examined by Reuters on Saturday, has not been officially released. Officials from the ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

Airlines had called for the removal of the caps, saying the controls were contributing to substantial revenue losses while operating expenses continued to rise. Higher jet fuel prices, partly driven by the conflict involving Iran, have added to the financial strain.

Although airlines have not disclosed specific loss figures, analysts at HSBC estimate that a $1 per barrel increase in fuel prices could raise IndiGo’s annual fuel costs by roughly 3 billion rupees.

Under the temporary rules, fares for flights up to 500 kilometres were capped at 7,500 rupees ($80.07), while routes between 1,000 and 1,500 kilometres—including New Delhi to Mumbai—had a maximum fare of 15,000 rupees.

Despite lifting the caps, the government has directed airlines to keep ticket prices fair and transparent, ensuring they reflect market conditions without harming passenger interests.

Source: Khaleej Times

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has announced plans to begin non-stop services between Singapore and Riyadh from June 2026, marking a significant step in its Middle East network expansion. The airline intends to operate the route four times a week using its Airbus A350-900 medium-haul aircraft.

The aircraft will be configured with 303 seats, including 40 in Business Class and 263 in Economy Class, offering passengers a two-cabin travel option.

Pending regulatory approval, flight SQ498 will depart Singapore at 18:20 local time on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, arriving in Riyadh at 21:45. The return service, SQ499, is scheduled to leave Riyadh at 23:00 on the same days, landing in Singapore at 12:15 the following day.

From 25 October 2026, minor schedule adjustments will take effect. Departures from Singapore will shift to 17:40, arriving in Riyadh at 21:35, while return flights will depart Riyadh at 22:50 and arrive in Singapore at 11:50 the next day.

Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer of Singapore Airlines, said the move reflects Riyadh’s growing economic significance. He noted that the Saudi capital’s rapid development and strong business environment position it as a key destination in the region. He added that the new route could also enhance collaboration with partner airlines, providing customers with broader travel options across the Middle East.

Riyadh will become the second Saudi destination served by the SIA Group, complementing Scoot’s existing four-times weekly flights to Jeddah.

As the capital and financial hub of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh offers a mix of cultural and modern attractions. Visitors can explore historic landmarks such as Diriyah and Masmak Fortress, alongside museums, high-end hotels, and diverse retail and dining experiences.

Ticket sales for the new service will be introduced gradually through Singapore Airlines’ distribution channels, subject to final approvals.

Philippine Airlines has suspended all flights between Manila and the Gulf hubs of Dubai and Doha until April 30, leaving thousands of overseas Filipinos and other travellers rushing to adjust their plans.

The flag carrier’s decision, driven by heightened security risks and airspace uncertainties in parts of the Middle East, extends an earlier series of short-term cancellations and effectively wipes out PAL’s Dubai (PR 658/659) and Doha (PR 684/685) services for the rest of April.

For affected passengers, PAL is offering a range of options. Travellers can rebook to a later date once services resume, with the airline waiving rebooking fees in line with its current advisories. Those who no longer wish to push through with their trip may opt to convert the value of their ticket into a travel credit for future use, or request a refund subject to the fare conditions.

Passengers are urged to first check if their flight falls within the suspension period using PAL’s online manage booking facility or by contacting the carrier’s customer service channels. From there, they can decide whether to secure the earliest possible rebooked flight after April 30, bank their ticket value for a later trip, or cancel altogether.

Travel agents and community groups in the Gulf are also advising Filipino workers and residents to consider alternative routings on other airlines while PAL’s Middle East operations are on hold, especially for those with urgent travel needs such as contract changes, medical emergencies or planned vacations.

With the situation in the region still fluid, Philippine Airlines has encouraged passengers to monitor its official advisories regularly, noting that any further extensions, resumptions, or special flights will be announced through its website and social media channels.

Saudia announced an increase of 20 flights connecting Riyadh and Jeddah with the Red Sea destination during the Eid Al-Fitr holiday. Carried out in coordination with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and the Red Sea destination, the move raises the total number of round-trip services on these routes to 44.

The expanded schedule is part of a broader partnership between Saudia and the STA designed to promote Saudi tourist sites and support the tourism sector’s development. Officials said the collaboration focuses on offering travelers more convenient flight options and enhancing the onboard experience.

The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s wider tourism ambitions, which include a target to welcome 150 million visitors by 2030.