Bad weather caused major disruption to flight operations in Lahore and Islamabad on Saturday, with heavy rain and storms affecting dozens of domestic and international flights.
A major accident was narrowly avoided when a flight from Karachi to Lahore encountered a violent storm shortly after touching the runway. According to airport sources, Flight FL 842 had reached Allama Iqbal International Airport and made contact with the new runway when it was struck by strong winds and turbulence.
Air traffic control immediately instructed the pilot to abort landing and return to Karachi. The pilot skillfully regained control and safely flew the aircraft back, avoiding a potential disaster.
Airport officials reported that at least 22 flights faced difficulties due to adverse weather conditions in Lahore. Two incoming flights, including Flight PK 6385 from Islamabad, were also diverted to Karachi.
In addition, the departures of two Karachi-bound flights -- PK 305 and PA 405 -- were delayed due to continuous downpours in Lahore.
Meanwhile, Islamabad airport also faced widespread disruption caused by rain and hailstorms. Multiple flights were either cancelled or delayed:
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PIA flights from Islamabad to Karachi, Skardu, and Dubai were cancelled
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Serene Air flight 701 to Dubai scheduled for 2pm was cancelled
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FlyDubai flight 880 from Islamabad to Jeddah was cancelled
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Gulf Air flight 771 to Bahrain departed one hour late
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AirBlue flight 216 to Dubai departed four hours late at 9pm
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AirAsia flight 124 to Karachi took off two hours behind schedule
