Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has reportedly canceled 16 flights due to ‘operational’ reasons.

Specifically, the cancellations include four PIA flights from Islamabad to Gilgit (PK-601, 602, 605, and 606) due to a shortage of planes.

Additionally, four flights from Karachi to Islamabad, two from Islamabad to Sukkur, two to Dubai from Islamabad, two from Lahore to Quetta, and two Dubai-bound flights of a private airline were also canceled.

Earlier, PIA grounded nine aircraft due to a shortage of parts. Out of the fleet’s 31 planes, nine, including five Airbus-320s, three Boeing-777s, and one ATR craft, were grounded due to the unavailability of spare parts.

Concerns linger about the future of the national airline, as it heavily relies on the State Bank of Pakistan, with leasing companies expressing reservations about Pakistan’s CCC rating in relation to business policies, according to sources.