PIA losses jump to Rs 416 bln: Senate told.

ISLAMABAD -- Minister for Aviation Division Ghulam Sarwar Khan on Friday informed the Senate that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) losses have surged to Rs 416 billion adding that efforts were being made to acquire aircrafts on dry leases to enhance flight operations.

Responding to various questions during Question Hour, the minister said only non-commercially viable routes were closed while viable ones were being opened.

He said domestic and international flights were reduced due to shortage of aircrafts. Currently, PIA was operating its flights on 18 international routes including UK, Italy, France, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE, Iraq, Qatar, China, Malaysia, India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Thailand and Canada, he said.

To a supplementary question, the minister said construction of airport in Mansehra was mere a political announcement and no funds were allocated for it.

He said more flights would be operated for Quetta after acquiring aircrafts besides resuming air-traffic...