Torrential rain disrupts flights as Karachi struggles to cope

Several PIA and private airline flights delayed or cancelled as rain prevents passengers from reaching Karachi airport

Flight operations at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi were severely disrupted amid torrential rain, officials said on Tuesday. According to sources, severe thunderstorms, unrelenting rain and low visibility critically impacted operations at Karachi airport. During this period, eight flights were cancelled and 20 others experienced departure delays.

Flights arriving from Skardu and Dubai were unable to land at Karachi. Flight PK‑456 from Skardu was diverted to Sukkur Airport, while FZ‑335, a foreign airline service from Dubai, was redirected to Multan.

 

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Several flights between Karachi and Islamabad suffered delays in both arrival and departure operations. Arrivals from Jeddah, Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Colombo were also delayed.

Domestic PIA flights on the Karachi‑Quetta (PK‑310/311) and Karachi‑Islamabad (PK‑308/309) routes were cancelled. Incoming and outgoing Sukkur flights (PK‑536/537) were also called off due to adverse weather. In addition, two private airline flights scheduled between Karachi and Dubai were cancelled.

Read More: At least seven dead as heavy rain paralyses Karachi

A Serene Air flight, ER‑501, made two failed attempts to land in Karachi amid strong winds and heavy rain, before aborting and returning to Islamabad.

A spokesperson for PIA urged all passengers to stay informed about flight schedules by calling the PIA call centre at 786‑786‑111. “Before heading to the airport, passengers should confirm their flight’s actual departure time and ensure roads are passable. PIA regrets schedule disruptions due to weather and is working hard to restore normal operations as soon as possible.