During widespread retention challenges in the airline industry, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is facing a unique situation, with at least four flight attendants reportedly failing to return for duty after landing in Toronto. Two instances occurred in November, prompting the airline to implement stricter regulations for crews traveling to Canada and Europe. According to Pakistan Today, assuming the flight attendants are still in Canada, they are legally present under current immigration rules and may be exploring opportunities for citizenship.
PIA, a state-owned airline grappling with annual financial losses, has been the subject of sale discussions at the request of the International Monetary Fund. Despite efforts, there have been no takers for the airline, further exacerbating the challenges faced by flight attendants. Complaints about low pay and working conditions have been on the rise, and the proposed privatization plan, which could shift their status to contractors without job protection, has generated dissatisfaction among airline workers.