ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said on Thursday four Hajj flights scheduled to fly in the morning departed despite a fire caused by short-circuiting at an airport in the eastern city of Lahore, but other flights were facing temporary delays.
A CAA spokesperson said the fire broke out due to a short circuit in the record room of the immigration department at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport (AIIAP), which it said was quickly brought under control and immediate evacuation measures taken.
“All four Hajj flights operated by Pakistan International Airlines, Airblue and Air Sial departed on time from the domestic departure,” CAA Spokesperson Saif Ullah told Arab News. “Passengers were shifted immediately from international to domestic terminal.”
Pakistan launched its Hajj flight operations on Thursday, with 11 flights scheduled to arrive in Madinah from five major Pakistani cities, including Lahore.
In a separate statement later in the day, the CAA said the fire incident at Lahore airport had temporarily disrupted flight operations, particularly to international destinations.
“As a result, there may be delays, cancelations, or rescheduling of flights,” the statement 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.”
Earlier, a CAA statement said the situation at the airport was gradually returning to normal and no casualties had been reported.
Several Pakistani media outlets reported that the fire had damaged the immigration system partially, after which the immigration process was halted. Airport authorities also evacuated several passengers from the international terminal due to heavy smoke that filled the area.
