Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has altered its flight schedules in four Punjab cities due to pia fog delays triggered by persistent dense fog. The disruptions affect operations in Lahore, Multan, Sialkot, and Faisalabad. A PIA spokesperson confirmed the changes on Tuesday, prioritising passenger safety amid reduced visibility.
The airline implemented temporary adjustments to prevent extended delays. Dense fog disrupts PIA flights by severely limiting visibility during critical landing and takeoff phases. Passengers face uncertainty as both domestic and international routes suffer impacts.
PIA urged travellers to verify flight status before departing for airports. The spokesperson stated that dense fog affected visibility significantly, creating challenges for aircraft during landing and takeoff. Temporary changes were made to the schedule to ensure passenger safety and to avoid unnecessary delays in flight operations.
Dense Fog Disrupts PIA Flights Across Punjab
Dense fog has blanketed large parts of Punjab in recent days, forcing airlines to revise operations. PIA flight delays Punjab have become a recurring concern during the winter season. The four affected cities host major airports that serve as vital connections for domestic travellers and international links.
Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport acts as a primary hub. Fog affects PIA Lahore operations most severely due to high traffic volume. Multan, Sialkot, and Faisalabad airports also report similar visibility issues. Reduced runway visual range forces pilots to rely on instrument approaches, which not all aircraft or conditions support efficiently.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast cold and dry weather across most of the country. Moderate to dense fog persists over Punjab, upper Sindh, and plain areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These conditions directly contribute to pia fog delays experienced by passengers.
PIA Advises Passengers Amid Ongoing Disruptions
PIA directed affected travellers to contact its helpline for real-time updates. The airline emphasised that safety remains the top priority during adverse weather. Dense fog disrupts PIA flights annually in winter months, but this week’s intensity prompted immediate schedule revisions.
Travellers heading to or from Punjab face potential rescheduling. International connections through Lahore suffer indirect effects when domestic feeders delay. PIA operates a mix of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft on these routes, but low visibility grounds even equipped planes at times.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) earlier forecasted heavy smog and fog in Punjab from December 12 to 16. Precautionary measures were recommended province-wide. As fog continues beyond initial predictions, pia flight delays Punjab extend into the week.
Background: Winter Fog Challenges Aviation in Pakistan
Winter fog in Punjab plains poses seasonal challenges to aviation every year. Dense fog disrupts PIA flights particularly from December to February. Low-lying areas trap cold air, forming thick fog banks that linger for hours.
Major airports in Lahore, Multan, Sialkot, and Faisalabad lack full Category III instrument landing systems in all runways. This limits operations when visibility drops below certain thresholds. Fog affects PIA Lahore most due to its role as the busiest northern airport.
Similar disruptions occurred in previous winters, highlighting the need for infrastructure upgrades. Airlines adjust schedules proactively to minimise passenger inconvenience. Yet, sudden fog onset still catches operations off guard.
PMD warnings help airlines prepare. Recent advisories confirm moderate to dense fog will persist in affected regions. This directly ties into current pia fog delays reported across Punjab.
What’s Next: Fog Persistence and Travel Outlook
PMD indicates fog and smog will continue in Punjab plains. Travellers should monitor updates closely over the coming days. PIA plans to restore normal schedules as visibility improves.
The airline continues to prioritise safety while working to minimise pia fog delays. Passengers with bookings in affected cities must stay informed through official channels.
As winter deepens, similar weather patterns may trigger further adjustments. Dense fog disrupts PIA flights routinely, but advance planning helps mitigate widespread chaos. Monitoring PMD forecasts remains essential for smooth travel in the region.
Ultimately, clearing conditions will determine when full operations resume. Until then, pia fog delays will impact thousands relying on air links in Punjab.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 17th, 2025
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