Major delays hit Islamabad, Sialkot, and Lahore airports; dozens of domestic and international flights affected
Severe weather conditions across Pakistan have led to widespread disruption of flight schedules, with dozens of delays and multiple cancellations reported at major airports. Poor visibility, strong winds, and heavy rainfall have significantly impacted air operations, affecting both domestic and international travelers.
According to official sources, a total of eight flights were cancelled and 63 flights delayed nationwide on Saturday due to adverse weather.
Sialkot and Islamabad Face Major Operational Challenges
At Sialkot International Airport, flight operations were among the worst affected. Pakistan International Airlines’ flight PK-178 from Abu Dhabi was diverted to Karachi due to inclement weather, while Flydubai flight FZ-337 was rerouted to Islamabad. Meanwhile, Flydubai’s return flight FZ-338 from Sialkot to Dubai suffered a 17-hour delay. Two additional Flydubai flights, FZ-782 and FZ-783, were delayed by over five hours each. PIA’s PK-179 also experienced a delay of two hours.
Islamabad International Airport reported significant delays, especially for flights headed to and from Karachi. Nine flights to Karachi faced delays ranging from one to seven hours, while overall, 14 arrivals and departures were delayed between one and 15 hours. Among the worst affected were PA-230 (Islamabad–Abu Dhabi), delayed by nine hours, and PA-210 (Islamabad–Dubai), which was held back by 15 hours.
Delays Reported at Lahore, Peshawar, and Other Cities
In Lahore, 11 flights were delayed by one to six hours, including seven Karachi-Lahore flights, each facing one to four hours of disruption.
Meanwhile, Peshawar Airport saw delays in four flights, Skardu Airport in two flights, Multan in three flights, and Karachi-bound flights in at least nine cases, with delays stretching for several hours.
Passengers across the country were advised to check with airlines before heading to the airport, as flight schedules remained volatile due to continuing bad weather.
