Pakistan International Airlines Missed Flight Policy

Overview

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the national flag carrier of Pakistan, operates from hubs in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad to over 50 destinations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Its missed flight policy is governed by its Conditions of Carriage, fare rules, ticket type, EU/UK Regulation 261/2004 for flights departing from EU airports, U.S. DOT regulations for flights to/from the U.S., and Pakistan’s Carriage by Air Act, 2012. This policy outlines options for passengers who miss their scheduled flight due to personal reasons, airline-related delays, or other circumstances. Recent challenges, including financial difficulties and airspace restrictions due to India-Pakistan tensions in 2025, have led to frequent cancellations and delays, impacting operations.

Key Policy Details

• No-Show Policy: A passenger is considered a "no-show" if they fail to check in by the deadline (30 minutes before departure for domestic flights, 60 minutes for international flights) or arrive at the boarding gate (20 minutes before departure). For non-refundable tickets (e.g., Economy Promo, Economy Standard), the ticket value is forfeited, and the entire itinerary, including return or connecting flights, is canceled as tickets must be used in sequence. Notify PIA immediately via the My Booking section, mobile app, or airport counter to explore rebooking options or preserve ticket value as a travel voucher (valid for 12 months). A no-show fee (e.g., PKR 5,000-10,000, approximately $18-$36 USD, depending on fare type and route) may apply. Unused taxes and fees are refundable, less an administrative fee (e.g., PKR 3,500, approximately $12 USD). For short-haul flights (up to 1500 km), the fee is approximately PKR 5,000; medium-haul (1500-3500 km), PKR 7,500; long-haul (over 3500 km), PKR 10,000.
• Non-Refundable Tickets: No cash refunds are provided for missed flights on non-refundable tickets (e.g., Economy Promo, Economy Standard). Rebooking is possible up to 1 hour before departure, subject to availability, a change fee (e.g., PKR 3,500-7,500, approximately $12-$27 USD per ticket, depending on fare type), and fare differences. Changes must be made via the My Booking section, app, or airport counters. If the same fare class is unavailable, a higher fare applies with no refund for lower fares. Economy Promo fares are highly restrictive and may not allow changes after departure.
• Refundable Tickets: Business Class and Economy Flex tickets are refundable for the unused portion with no penalty if canceled at least 1 hour before departure. Refunds are processed to the original payment method or as travel vouchers (valid for 12 months) within 3-5 working days for web tickets or up to 10 weeks for other tickets (with a C$300, approximately $220 USD, refund fee in some cases). Requests must be made within 12 months of ticket issuance. For Award Miles redemptions, miles are re-credited, but a service fee (e.g., PKR 5,000, approximately $18 USD) may apply.
• 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation: For tickets purchased directly from PIA (ticket number starting with “PK”), you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if the flight is at least 7 days away, per U.S. DOT rules. This applies to all fare types and must be requested via the My Booking section or app. Tickets purchased through travel agencies may not qualify, and refunds may take longer.
• Missed Connections Due to Delays: If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of a PIA-operated flight within the same booking (ticket number starting with “PK”), PIA will rebook you on the next available flight at no cost. If the delay exceeds 3 hours at your final destination and is within PIA’s control (e.g., technical issues), you may be eligible for compensation: €250 for flights up to 1500 km, €400 for 1500-3500 km, or €600 for over 3500 km under EU/UK 261 (for flights departing from EU airports), or up to $650 USD under U.S. DOT rules. Compensation may be reduced by 50% if the alternative flight arrives within 2-4 hours of the original schedule. For delays of 2-4 hours, refreshments or meals are provided; for 5+ hours, you may opt for a refund; for overnight delays, accommodation and transfers are offered if away from your home airport. Self-connections (separate bookings) are not covered. Retain receipts for reimbursement.
• Extraordinary Circumstances: No compensation is provided for missed flights due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, air traffic control strikes, or security issues, including airspace closures due to India-Pakistan tensions in 2025). PIA will assist with rebooking or refunding unused taxes and fees, less an administrative fee. Passengers are responsible for additional expenses (e.g., accommodation, transport). Travel insurance is recommended.
• Denied Boarding: If you miss a flight due to overbooking and checked in on time with valid documentation, PIA will seek volunteers first. If involuntarily denied boarding, you will be rebooked on the next available flight and may receive compensation: €250-€600 under EU/UK 261 for flights departing from EU airports, or $200-$650 USD under U.S. DOT rules, depending on delay duration, or 50% of the ticket’s face value (excluding taxes) per Pakistan’s Carriage by Air Act. Volunteers receive agreed-upon compensation, typically a voucher. Meals or refreshments are provided while waiting.
• Special Circumstances: For missed flights due to medical emergencies, hospitalization, or bereavement, PIA may waive fees or offer refunds/vouchers with valid documentation (e.g., medical certificate, death certificate) submitted via the Customer Service form or email. Approval is reviewed case-by-case, and delays in documentation may lead to rejection. Cancellation and no-show fees are waived in cases of passenger death upon submission of a death certificate.
• Regional Disruptions (2025): Due to Pakistan’s airspace closure to Indian airlines in April 2025, PIA flights remain unaffected, but regional instability may cause delays or cancellations. Tickets for canceled flights due to airspace restrictions are eligible for a full refund or rebooking. Normal fare reassessment and penalties apply for bookings when airspace was open.

Steps to Take if You Miss Your Flight

• Contact PIA immediately via the My Booking section, mobile app, or airport counter within 24 hours of the scheduled departure to request rebooking or preserve ticket value as a voucher (valid for 12 months). Provide your booking reference (e.g., six-letter code like ABC123). Airport counters are recommended for faster processing during peak periods.
• Explain the reason for missing the flight to determine eligibility for rebooking, vouchers, or fee waivers. For special circumstances, submit documentation via the Customer Service form or email promptly to avoid rejection.
• Check your ticket’s fare rules in the My Booking section to understand applicable fees, restrictions, or refund eligibility. Economy Promo and Standard fares are restrictive, while Economy Flex and Business Class fares offer more flexibility.
• Submit compensation or refund claims via the refund form, My Booking section, or Customer Service, including your name, booking reference, and supporting documents (e.g., boarding passes, receipts, medical certificates). Refunds take 3-5 days for web tickets or up to 10 weeks for other tickets; claims are acknowledged within 7 days and processed within 30 days. Keep the reference number to track status.
• Keep all documentation for claims or expense reimbursements. Report baggage issues within 7 days for damage or 21 days for delays via the Property Irregularity Report form.
• Check travel insurance policies for coverage of missed flights due to valid reasons (e.g., illness, accidents). Request an Insurance Verification Form via Customer Service for insurance claims.
• For EU/UK 261 claims (flights departing from EU airports), submit directly to PIA to avoid third-party fees. If unresolved, escalate to the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, UK CAA, or EU national authorities. Claims can be filed up to 6 years after the flight.

Additional Information

If PIA cancels or delays your flight by 3+ hours or cancels with less than 14 days’ notice, you may choose a refund, rebooking, or compensation, depending on the circumstances. For cancellations within PIA’s control, you may receive a full refund (including fees for baggage or seats) or rebooking on the next available flight at no cost. Compensation for EU/UK flights departing from EU airports (€250-€600) can be filed up to 6 years after the flight, or within 1 year for U.S. claims ($75-$650 USD). For delays of 2-4 hours, refreshments or meals are provided; for 5+ hours, you may opt for a refund; for overnight delays, accommodation and transfers are offered if away from your home airport. Retain receipts for expenses and submit claims within 21 days for delays or 7 days for baggage issues. For unresolved claims, escalate to the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, U.S. DOT, or EU/UK authorities. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. For more details, review PIA’s Conditions of Carriage or Customer Service Commitment.