PIA Shifts Sialkot Flights to Lahore as Floodwaters Force Airport Closure

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has diverted all scheduled flights from Sialkot International Airport to Lahore Airport after severe monsoon rains and rising floodwaters forced authorities to suspend operations. The closure has created significant travel disruptions for passengers flying to and from Sialkot, a key hub for international travelers.

PIA Flights Diverted Amid Airport Closure

According to PIA, all flights originally set to operate from Sialkot on Thursday will now depart and land at Lahore Airport. The affected flights include:

PK 746: Jeddah → Sialkot

PK 745: Sialkot → Jeddah

PK 239: Sialkot → Kuwait

PK 244: Dammam → Sialkot

Passengers booked on these flights are being contacted directly and are encouraged to confirm updated schedules through PIA’s call center. The airline has urged travelers to arrive early at Lahore Airport to avoid further delays.

Category	Details
Reason for Change	Sialkot International Airport closed due to record-breaking monsoon rains and flooding
Airport Closure Timing	August 28, 2025 – From 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Diverted Flights	PK 746 (Jeddah → Sialkot), PK 745 (Sialkot → Jeddah), PK 239 (Sialkot → Kuwait), PK 244 (Dammam → Sialkot)
New Airport for Operations	Lahore Airport
Passenger Advisory	Confirm flight timings via PIA helpline 111-786-786
Rainfall Recorded in Sialkot	Over 360 mm in 24 hours, highest in more than 60 years
Weather Forecast	Heavy rain and thunderstorms expected through September 1, 2025
Authorities Involved	PIA, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
Impact on Travel	Flight delays, road blockages, and extended travel times

Record-Breaking Monsoon Rains Hit Sialkot

Sialkot is currently facing one of the heaviest monsoon downpours in decades, with over 360 millimeters of rain recorded within 24 hours. This torrential rainfall caused flash floods that overwhelmed drainage systems and reached the airport’s perimeter, prompting immediate closure.

Roads in and around the city are waterlogged, and low-lying neighborhoods have been evacuated. Authorities say this level of rain is the highest in more than 60 years, underscoring the severity of this year’s monsoon rains in Pakistan.

Pakistan Floods Impact Air Travel

The closure of Sialkot International Airport highlights the growing impact of floods on Pakistan’s transportation infrastructure. Punjab’s river systems, including the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej, are running at high levels, and several districts remain under flood alerts.

Provincial authorities have mobilized rescue teams, dewatering equipment, and emergency services in an attempt to restore operations quickly. Meanwhile, Lahore Airport is serving as the primary hub for redirected flights, with additional staff deployed to manage the increased traffic.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued red alerts for Punjab, Islamabad, and several northern districts, warning of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms through September 1. Weather experts report that monsoon currents from both the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea are fueling widespread precipitation across the region.

Officials have also warned of potential landslides in hilly areas, rising river levels, and urban flooding in major cities, urging residents to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel.

PIA Advises Passengers to Stay Updated

PIA is taking steps to ensure passenger safety and minimize disruptions. The airline is offering flexible rebooking options and has set up dedicated help desks at Lahore Airport to assist passengers affected by the sudden changes.

Travelers are encouraged to:

Reconfirm flight times through the airline’s helpline

Arrive at airports earlier than usual

Plan alternate transportation routes, as road conditions remain challenging in several areas

Emergency Measures at Sialkot Airport

Although the airport runway and terminal remain intact, rising water levels near the southern perimeter prompted authorities to close the facility as a precaution. Emergency teams are working around the clock to pump water out and protect key infrastructure.

Officials say flight operations will resume as soon as weather conditions stabilize and safety checks are completed.

The ongoing floods have caused widespread devastation across Punjab and other provinces. Thousands of people have been displaced, while homes, crops, and businesses have suffered extensive damage. Relief operations are underway, with the military and rescue agencies distributing supplies and setting up temporary shelters.

The government has appealed for public cooperation, urging residents in vulnerable areas to follow evacuation orders and stay alert to weather warnings.

The disruption of PIA flights is just one example of the challenges Pakistan’s aviation sector faces during monsoon season. Heavy rains not only affect flight schedules but also put pressure on airports, roads, and public transportation networks.

Travel experts recommend that passengers stay informed, keep buffer time in their travel plans, and monitor official updates to avoid inconvenience.

Restoration Plans and Passenger Safety

Authorities are optimistic that Sialkot International Airport will reopen soon, but safety remains the top priority. Once floodwaters recede, engineers will carry out full inspections of runways and critical systems before flights are allowed to resume.

Until then, Lahore Airport will handle diverted flights, ensuring passengers continue to reach their destinations. With more rain expected over the next 48 hours, travelers are being urged to remain cautious and adjust their plans accordingly.

The sudden closure of Sialkot Airport due to record rainfall is a stark reminder of Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate extremes. For now, PIA flights are safely operating from Lahore, and passengers are advised to stay updated as authorities work to restore normalcy.

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