PIA Boeing 777 Aircraft Stopped in Malaysia over “Unpaid Dues”

A legal dispute has led to a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Boeing 777 aircraft being stopped at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia. The aircraft’s leasing company claimed that the airline owed them $4.5 million. However, PIA disputed the claim, stating that it owned the aircraft, and the leasing company only owned one of the mounted engines.

According to PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez Khan, the actual dues amounted to $1.8 million, which have already been paid to the company. The claim made by the leasing company to seek the impounding order was deemed ‘incorrect’ by PIA. The airline has engaged its legal team in Kuala Lumpur to contest the matter in court.

To minimize disruption, the passengers of the affected flight have been accommodated on an alternative aircraft. Meanwhile, the disputed Boeing 777 will continue to operate as a normal commercial flight from Kuala Lumpur, as clarified by the PIA spokesperson.

This incident marks the second time a PIA aircraft has been seized in Malaysia due to a dispute. In January 2021, another Boeing 777 was held for two weeks over an unpaid dues case involving $14 million.

PIA continues to address the legal challenges and aims to ensure the smooth operation of its flights while resolving the ongoing disputes.