Aircraft shortage, technical issues disrupt flight operations at Lahore Airport

Flight operations at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport were disrupted on Saturday due to a shortage of aircraft and other technical reasons, resulting in the cancellation and delay of several domestic and international flights.

According to airport sources, a total of 10 flights operating to and from Lahore were cancelled, while six others faced delays, causing inconvenience to passengers.

Among the cancelled outbound flights were Saudi Airlines flight SV-739 from Lahore to Jeddah, Etihad Airways flight EY-285 from Lahore to Abu Dhabi, Flydubai flight FZ-360 from Lahore to Dubai, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK-303 from Lahore to Karachi, Airblue flight PA-416 from Lahore to Karachi, Saudi Airlines flight SV-733 from Lahore to Jeddah, and Airblue flight PA-470 from Lahore to Jeddah.

Inbound operations were also affected, with Saudi Airlines flight SV-732 from Jeddah to Lahore among the flights cancelled.

Airport authorities attributed the disruption to a shortage of available aircraft and various technical issues affecting airline operations.

Meanwhile, several flights experienced delays. PIA flight PK-280 from Doha to Lahore was delayed by approximately two and a half hours, while a number of other flights also faced schedule changes.

Airport officials advised passengers to remain in contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding flight schedules and travel arrangements.

The disruptions led to inconvenience for travellers, particularly those heading to Saudi Arabia and Gulf destinations, as airlines worked to manage the impact of the operational challenges.