Dense fog disrupts flights in Punjab

Forces delays, diversions at Lahore, Multan airports

Dense fog in Lahore and Multan disrupted flight operations at Allama Iqbal International and Multan International Airports, causing delays to multiple domestic and international flights, airport sources said. Visibility has improved in Lahore since Wednesday morning, but remains low in Multan. Flights scheduled to arrive at Multan airport at 10 a.m. were diverted to Lahore.

Over 25 flights to and from Lahore were delayed due to low visibility, affecting Pakistan International Airlines, Airblue, Air Sial, Emirates, Saudi Airlines, and Turkish Airlines

Poor visibility caused delays in arrivals and departures at both airports, with some flights delayed up to 5–6 hours. In Lahore, most delays ranged from 1 to 3 hours, while Multan experienced more persistent disruptions.

Some airlines lack an Instrument Landing System (ILS), which guides aircraft to the runway in low-visibility conditions using radio signals.

Read: Fog disrupts PIA flights

Thai Airways revised its flight schedule, while other airlines, including Saudi Airlines, Emirates, Malaysia Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, and Turkish Airlines, advised passengers to check schedules before heading to the airport.

Airport authorities in Lahore advised passengers to check the latest flight status and obtain complete information before heading to the airport.

Similar fog-related disruptions affected PIA flights in January 2025 across Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, and Sialkot.

The airport spokesperson urged passengers to provide accurate and active contact numbers when booking to receive timely flight updates.