Thunderstorm Alert Flight Disruptions Hit Major Airports

Air travel across Pakistan was disrupted on Friday after a thunderstorm alert in Islamabad combined with administrative issues, causing widespread flight cancellations and lengthy delays nationwide.

Pakistan International Airlines cancelled eight flights, including four Islamabad–Gilgit services, Sukkur–Karachi connection, Islamabad–Sukkur route, and two Karachi–Turbat flights, affecting large numbers of domestic passengers.

Flight delays ranging from one to nine hours impacted multiple major routes. A private airline service from Islamabad faced an extraordinary nine-hour delay, frustrating stranded travellers.

Lahore Airport was among the worst hit with 19 flights delayed between one and 10 hours, including a Lahore–Abu Dhabi service delayed 10 hours.

Karachi also experienced significant disruption as five flights were delayed between one and four hours, while four additional Karachi–Lahore flights faced prolonged operational delays.

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Passengers at major airports including Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi faced extended waiting times without proper communication, leaving them stranded amid worsening travel challenges nationwide.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority Punjab issued a rain alert as westerly winds entered upper Punjab, forecasting widespread showers until October 7.

Intermittent rainfall is expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Sargodha, and Jhang, with thunderstorms possible in several districts.

From October 6, southern Punjab districts including Multan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Layyah, and Dera Ghazi Khan may experience heavy downpours with lightning.

Authorities warned of potential hill torrents and increased nullah water flow in Murree, Galiyat, and Rawalpindi, advising citizens to follow PDMA safety guidelines strictly.