Fog delays flights at Karachi, Lahore airports

PIA spokesperson says four flights diverted to Muscat

Flights were hit by delays on Thursday as fog shrouded Karachi and Lahore.

Some early-morning international and domestic flights were pushed back, according to a Civil Aviation Authority official. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) spokesperson Danyal Gilani said four flights to Lahore and Karachi had been diverted to Muscat.

"PIA's schedule affected due to fog at Lahore and Karachi airports. Four flights diverted to Muscat this morning. Flights to revert as visibility improves," Gilani tweeted.

PIA's schedule affected due 2 fog at Lhe & Khi airports. 4 flights diverted to Muscat this morning. Flights 2 revert as visibility improves.

— Digi Fusion (@DigiFusion24) December 29, 2016

The flights diverted to Muscat include PK-732 from Jeddah to Karachi, PK-214 from Dubai to Karachi and PK-248 from Dammam to Lahore. The PIA spokesperson further advised passengers to confirm their flight status before departing for the airport.



Dense fog crept into Karachi and its surrounding areas early Thursday, decreasing road visibility and air mobility.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather alert stating cold, dry weather is expected in most parts of the country.



Last week, a PIA flight was also diverted to Muscat as visibility at all airports near Karachi was poor. Flight radar had shown that the airliner descended to 10,000 feet, encircled a few times and then continued its flight to ultimately land in Muscat.