Serene Air grounded as Pakistan regulator suspends operations
The private airline seeks nod to repatriate travellers stuck in Saudi Arabia
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has suspended all operations of Serene Air after the airline was left without a single serviceable aircraft, disrupting travel for passengers on domestic routes and international sectors including the Gulf.
The regulator issued the suspension order on Friday, declaring that Serene Air had failed to comply with rules requiring a minimum fleet size. Officials said the carrier’s inability to provide any operational aircraft was a critical breach of aviation safety regulations.
The CAA stated that the airline’s Air Operator Certificate would remain suspended until it could demonstrate the availability of airworthy planes. The move has left hundreds of travellers facing uncertainty, particularly those who rely on Serene Air’s services between Pakistan and the Gulf.
Flights halted
Serene Air, which operates to UAE cities including Dubai and Sharjah, as well as Saudi destinations, confirmed that one of its planes was grounded in Saudi Arabia after a bird strike, while another was undergoing maintenance in China. A third was unavailable due to mandatory checks after four years of service. With its fleet out of action, the airline has sought permission to repatriate passengers stranded abroad.
In a statement addressed to passengers and partners, Serene Air said: “Our flight operations are temporarily suspended due to unforeseen circumstances. This is a short-term pause, and our team is working diligently with authorities to ensure a swift return to service. Your safety, comfort, and trust remain our top priority. We kindly request your patience during this period and assure you that regular updates will be shared. We look forward to welcoming you back on board very soon.”
Gulf operations
Serene Air launched international flights in 2021, serving cities including Dubai, Sharjah, Riyadh and Jeddah alongside its domestic network. The suspension is the latest setback for the carrier, which had expanded its fleet in recent years to capture a growing share of the Pakistan–Gulf travel market.
Passengers holding tickets have been advised to contact Serene Air directly for updates on rescheduled flights or refunds, while regulators continue to monitor the airline’s compliance with operational standards.