LAHORE/SIALKOT: Dense fog on Monday severely disrupted flight operations at Lahore and Sialkot International airports, causing long delays to several international flights and inconveniencing passengers.
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At Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, low visibility due to thick fog affected the departure schedule of multiple outbound flights. A private airline’s flight PA-474 to Riyadh was delayed by nearly ten hours, while another private carrier’s flight SV-739 bound for Jeddah faced an eleven-hour delay. Similarly, flight PA-410 heading to Dubai was also delayed by around eleven hours, leaving passengers stranded at the terminal for extended periods.
Airport sources said flight schedules were adjusted as a safety measure, adding that operations would gradually resume once visibility improves. Passengers were advised to stay in contact with their respective airlines for updated departure timings.
Dense fog also enveloped Sialkot International Airport and surrounding areas, partially affecting flight operations. An airport spokesperson said that flight schedules had been disrupted due to extremely low visibility, which dropped to as little as 100 metres in some areas.
The spokesperson explained that a minimum visibility of 500 metres is required for the safe operation of aircraft. Due to the prevailing conditions, some flights were delayed or rescheduled as a precautionary step. He added that operations would return to normal as soon as weather conditions improve.
The foggy conditions also impacted road travel across Punjab. Thick fog blanketed plain areas, including Lahore, during the night between Sunday and Monday, severely affecting traffic flow.
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According to a Motorway Police spokesperson, the M2 motorway from Lahore to Kot Momin was closed due to poor visibility. Entry of heavy vehicles was prohibited on the M3 from Faizpur to Jaranwala and on the M4 from Pindi Bhattian to Abdul Hakim. Additionally, the M11 motorway from Lahore to Sialkot was closed for all kinds of traffic.
Authorities have urged motorists to avoid unnecessary travel, use fog lights, and follow safety advisories until weather conditions improve.