Chaos at Lahore Airport: Major Fire Cancels All Flights and Strands Passengers

Lahore, Pakistan — A major fire broke out at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport early Saturday morning, triggering chaos and panic as all flights were abruptly cancelled and hundreds of passengers left stranded.

The blaze, which reportedly originated in the immigration area, quickly spread to other parts of the terminal, causing significant disruption to both domestic and international flight operations. Authorities immediately suspended all airport services as emergency teams rushed to the scene.

Airport in Emergency Lockdown

As thick plumes of smoke engulfed sections of the airport, security personnel evacuated passengers and staff from affected areas. Panic ensued as travelers scrambled to gather their belongings and locate loved ones. Airport officials announced a complete suspension of all incoming and outgoing flights until further notice.

“There was sudden shouting, and then we saw smoke everywhere,” said one eyewitness. “We didn’t know whether to run or stay. It was terrifying.”

Critical Airport Systems Damaged

The fire reportedly damaged key operational areas including the immigration counters and the system that issues boarding passes. With major technical infrastructure compromised, airport operations were paralyzed. Officials confirmed that fire safety protocols were activated immediately, and firefighting teams managed to contain the flames within a few hours.

Although there are no confirmed reports of casualties, several passengers are said to have suffered minor injuries in the rush to evacuate.

Flights Cancelled, Passengers Left in Limbo

With all scheduled flights cancelled, passengers were left waiting for alternative arrangements, many without clear instructions. People traveling for urgent reasons, such as medical emergencies or international business, expressed frustration over the lack of communication from airport staff.

Hotels near the airport were quickly flooded with stranded travelers, while some passengers chose to remain at the terminal hoping for quick resumption of services.

Investigation Underway

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. However, initial reports suggest it may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit in the immigration zone. Authorities have formed a special inquiry team to assess the exact reasons behind the incident and evaluate the extent of infrastructural damage.

Meanwhile, aviation safety experts have raised questions about the airport’s fire preparedness, pointing out that such incidents reflect serious lapses in safety standards. Lahore airport is one of Pakistan’s busiest international hubs, and this disruption is expected to have a ripple effect on connecting flights across the country.

Government Response and Public Outrage

Pakistan’s aviation ministry has released a statement assuring that emergency protocols were followed and all necessary resources were deployed to contain the fire. However, social media platforms have been flooded with criticism from citizens, demanding better safety systems and accountability from airport management.

Opposition leaders have called for a full audit of airport security and infrastructure standards across the country. “This is not just a fire — it’s a wake-up call,” said one prominent leader. “We cannot play with the lives of citizens under the pretext of poor management.”

Services to Resume Gradually

Authorities have announced that once safety inspections are complete and systems restored, services at Lahore airport will resume in phases. Airline companies have been instructed to offer alternative travel options and accommodations for affected passengers.

Travelers have been advised to check flight statuses with airlines before heading to the airport, as restoration may take 24–48 hours depending on technical recovery.

The fire at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport has highlighted serious vulnerabilities in emergency preparedness within Pakistan’s aviation sector. As stranded passengers wait for clarity, the incident serves as a critical reminder that safety and swift communication must always be prioritized in transportation hubs.

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