Cyclone Biparjoy: Flights to Karachi, Sukkur canceled, says PIA

KARACHI: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has put in place special measures for airports in anticipation of cyclone Biparjoy. 

A spokesperson for the PIA said that the effects of the cyclone on airports and air corridors will be seen starting at 3am on Wednesday. 

“PIA has organized security teams in response to the risks associated with the tropical cyclone”, he said in a statement. “Containers, trolleys, dollies, and engineering equipment around the runways and aprons are being moved to safe locations”.

“Today’s flights to Karachi and Sukkur have been canceled and redirected to Lahore or Multan. Flight routes will continue to be redirected to alternate airports for the time being. The decision regarding today’s flights will be made based on weather conditions,” the spokesperson added.

“The emergency response centre is alert in case of any arising situation”, confirmed the PIA spokesperson. Sindh authorities and army forces also remain on high alert as the storm approaches the coastline.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the cyclone was at a distance of around 380km south of Karachi, 390km south of Thatta as of 9:30pm on June 13.

As Biparjoy approaches the coastlines of southeast Sindh, widespread wind-dust and thunderstorm rain with extremely heavy falls are likely to hit Thatta and surrounding areas from June 13 to 17, PMD predicts.