Air travel in Pakistan was severely affected on Friday as a thunderstorm warning in Islamabad coincided with heavy rains and operational issues. Eight flights were cancelled, and 34 others faced delays, causing disruptions for domestic and international passengers.
The Civil Aviation Authority issued a thunderstorm alert for Islamabad after continuous rainfall hit the capital. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) cancelled four flights between Islamabad and Gilgit: PK601, PK602, PK603, and PK604. Other cancellations included Islamabad–Sukkur flight PK632, Sukkur–Karachi PK636, and Karachi–Turbat flights PK501 and PK502.
Flight delays ranged from one to nine hours. Karachi–Islamabad flights PK300 and PK301 were delayed by one and a half hours. Islamabad-based private airline flight PA201 faced a significant nine-hour delay. Five flights between Karachi and Islamabad were delayed from one to nine hours, while departures from Karachi Airport experienced delays between one and four hours.
Lahore Airport was also heavily impacted. Nineteen flights were delayed by one to ten hours. A private airline flight from Lahore to Abu Dhabi, PA430, faced a ten-hour delay. Additionally, four flights between Karachi and Lahore experienced delays of one and a half to four hours.
Passengers at Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi airports faced long waits due to the thunderstorm and related operational challenges. Airport officials stated that the combination of severe weather and logistical issues contributed to the widespread disruption.
Authorities have advised travelers to check their flight status before heading to airports. Passengers are urged to stay updated on announcements from airlines and airport authorities to avoid inconvenience.
The recent thunderstorm in Islamabad highlights the need for improved weather response and operational planning in Pakistan’s aviation sector. Travelers are expected to face continued delays until conditions improve.
In other related news also read Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Predicted Across Pakistan
