Six flights cancelled at Islamabad airport due to bad weather

ISLAMABAD: Several flights were either cancelled or delayed as bad weather disrupted flight operations at Islamabad International Airport on Wednesday.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast more rain over the next 24 to 48 hours and directed relevant authorities to stay on high alert. Emergency services have been mobilised in vulnerable areas as the country braces for further weather-related challenges.

According to the flight inquiry website at Islamabad International Airport, a total of six flights to and from the capital were cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

The flight operation from Islamabad to Skardu remained completely suspended throughout the day.

Among the affected flights was AirSial’s Karachi-Islamabad flight PF-121, which was cancelled.

In addition, two Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights – PK-451 and PK-452 – scheduled between Islamabad and Skardu were also called off.

Authorities advised passengers to check with their respective airlines for updated schedules.

Bad weather claim 27 lives

Pakistan is severely affected by torrential monsoon rains, flooding streets, paralysing life in urban centres, and triggering landslides and flash flood alerts in hilly and mountainous regions.

Today, at least 27 died in rain-related incidents in Punjab alone. Heavy rainfall continued intermittently in the province with major cities including Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Jhelum, Kasur, Okara, Gujranwala, and Sargodha reporting water accumulation in low-lying areas. Streets and neighbourhoods remained inundated, leaving residents struggling to commute or carry out daily activities.

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In Lahore, downpours claimed at least 14 lives, mostly due to electrocution and roof collapses, officials confirmed.

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, heavy rains in Kotli, Palandri, Bagh, Neelum, Jhelum Valley, and Poonch have raised the risk of landslides. At Tattapani, a landslide led to the closure of a section of the Karakoram Highway, affecting traffic and supply routes.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, authorities warned of potential glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and flash floods as temperatures rise and rainfall continues in northern districts.

Balochistan’s rivers swelled following days of rain, with the Nari River in Bolan and Sibi reported to be in a dangerous state. Local residents were urged to remain cautious as authorities monitored water levels.

Meanwhile, parts of Sindh remained waterlogged days after a Sunday downpour. Urban drainage systems failed to cope in cities like Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Nawabshah, with standing water continuing to disrupt daily life.