Fire engulfs immigration counters at Lahore Airport

LAHORE: A fire engulfed the immigration counters at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, bringing flight operations to a standstill on Thursday morning.

The blaze, suspected to have originated from a short circuit, spread rapidly, triggering panic among passengers and forcing a complete evacuation of the airport. Despite swift responses from the Airport Security Force and firefighters, the fire ravaged the immigration system, causing extensive damage.

Passengers were left stranded as flights were suspended, and international flights bound for Lahore were diverted to alternate airports. Haj operations were particularly affected, with the first PIA Haj flight delayed and passengers evacuated to safer areas. The disruption also impacted Karachi-Lahore flights, causing delays across airlines.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire, with authorities focusing on the ceiling of the immigration counter. Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif has been briefed on the incident, and top civil aviation officials have been dispatched to assess the situation.

As airport authorities work to restore normalcy, passengers were advised to check with airlines for updates on their flights.

Taking notice of the fire incident at the immigration counter at Lahore Airport, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi sought a detailed report and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. He directed that the immigration counter should be made functional as soon as possible for the convenience of passengers.

According to a spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), a fire incident at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport (AIIAP) has temporarily disrupted flight operations, particularly international flight operations. As a result, there may be delays, cancellations or rescheduling of flights.

The spokesperson said, “We advise all passengers to contact their respective airlines before leaving for the airport for the latest updates on flight schedules and any alternative arrangements that may be in place. Your airline will provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding your flight status and any necessary adjustments. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding during this challenging time.”

The safety and well-being of passengers remain our top priority, and we are working diligently to restore normal operations as soon as possible, said the spokesperson.