News stated that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) cancelled 12 flights on Friday due to bad weather. PK-503 and 504 from Karachi to Gwadar and PK-536 and 537 to Sukkur have been cancelled. 

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Flights from Islamabad to Gilgit (PK-601, 602, 605, and 606) were cancelled. 

Flights from Islamabad to Skardu and Sukkur were cancelled due to weather. Jinnah International Airport in Karachi has been advised by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Pakistan to expect rain and thunderstorms on March 1. 

Officials from the Pakistan Meteorological Department predict heavy snowfall and rain in many Sindh cities, including Karachi. This could cause flash floods and disrupt life in vulnerable areas.

The cancellations were due to heavy rain and snowfall in Sindh and Gilgit-Baltistan, which might have endangered aircraft safety. The next days are expected to bring more severe weather, which might hamper Pakistani aviation.

PIA Flights Affected by Bad Weather 

On Friday, as many as 12 PIA flights on domestic routes were cancelled due to unfavourable weather. Specifically, the Karachi-Gwadar, Karachi-Sukkur, Islamabad-Gilgit, Islamabad-Skardu and Islamabad-Sukkur flights had to be suspended because of heavy rain and snow forecast. This resulted in inconvenience to hundreds of booked passengers.

Travel Disruptions Expected 

With the Pakistan Meteorological Department predicting heavy rainfall and snowfall over the next few days in Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan and other areas, major travel disruptions have been forecasted across the country. 

Flights are likely to face cancellations and delays, while road transport could also be impacted. Citizens have been advised to check flight status and avoid unnecessary travel.

Preparations Underway at Airports 

In anticipation of inclement weather, the Civil Aviation Authority has instructed airport authorities at Jinnah International Airport Karachi and other airports to make necessary preparations. Equipment is being inspected, emergency staff deployed and contingency plans activated to deal with potential disruptions caused by heavy rains, thunderstorms and snow. The priority is ensuring safety of aircraft operations.

Impact on Citizens’ Travel Plans 

The abrupt cancellation of PIA flights has severely impacted travel plans of hundreds of ticketed passengers planning to fly on these routes. Many were left stranded due to last-minute cancellations. 

With more harsh weather impending, citizens’ travel plans via air, road and rail are likely to be disrupted over the next few days. The public is advised to check updated travel advisories.

Conclusion 

The cancellation of multiple PIA flights due to bad weather has caused inconvenience to passengers and disrupted travel plans. However, passenger safety has to be the top priority under such harsh weather conditions. 

It is hoped that conditions improve soon, allowing normal flight operations to resume. Meanwhile, PIA and other authorities are taking necessary precautions and making preparations to handle any weather-related disruptions in the coming days.

FAQs:

Q1. Why were PIA flights cancelled on Friday?

A1. PIA flights were cancelled due to inclement weather conditions involving heavy rainfall and snowfall forecast across Pakistan.

Q2. Which PIA routes were affected?

A2. Flights from Karachi, Islamabad to Gwadar, Sukkur, Gilgit and Skardu were cancelled.

Q3. What precautions are being taken at airports?

A3. Authorities are inspecting equipment, deploying emergency staff, and activating contingency plans at airports to deal with potential weather disruptions.

Q4. What advice has been issued to citizens?

A4. Citizens have been advised to check for travel updates and avoid unnecessary travel as more harsh weather has been forecasted.

Q5. How long will travel disruptions last?

A5. Disruptions are expected over the next few days as heavy rainfall and snowfall have been predicted across multiple regions.

Q6. How are passengers affected by flight cancellations?

A6. Hundreds of passengers have had their travel plans severely impacted by abrupt flight cancellations due to bad weather.

Reference 

Ali, S. (2024, March 1). PIA Cancels 12 Flights Due to Bad Weather. Pashto News and Current Affairs Channel | Khyber News.