The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) suffered losses of approximately Rs2billion because of the Saudi Arabia which suspended Umrah from the coronavirus outbreak.
The Saudi government banned, according to the PIA Spokesman, more than 50,000 pilgrims, while the Saudi government suspended tickets until 31 March.
The administration of the national carrier had set a revenue target of Rs194 billion for the current year. An additional revenue target of Rs320 million was set to curb the operational losses. However, with current travel restrictions in place, the overall deficit is likely to exceed Rs37 billion.
Earlier in February, the aviation division presented details of the loss-making flight operations of PIA during the last 10 years in the National Assembly.
PIA had suffered a loss of Rs371.14 billion during 2009-19, adding that the airlines recruited 3,492 employees since 2010.
At present, PIA has 15,052 employees, out of which 11,284 employees are recruited on a regular basis.
