Imagine waking up in Gilgit to find the runway completely deserted—no planes arriving, no travelers boarding, all flights grounded. The chilling fog and harsh winds have turned Gilgit Airport into a scene of stillness. In a dramatic twist, today’s Gilgit Airport flight cancellations have left thousands stranded. This isn’t an isolated glitch—it’s part of a chain reaction affecting air travel across Pakistan, with flight delays from Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Multan, Skardu, and Peshawar. Even international passengers aren’t spared—flights to Dubai, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and Muscat have been hit with long waits.
What Happened at Gilgit Airport Today?
Severe weather in Gilgit-Baltistan forced the suspension of all flights at Gilgit Airport. Four scheduled Islamabad to Gilgit flights were canceled, disrupting both tourism and local travel.
According to the official flight schedule:
- Four Islamabad–Gilgit flights were canceled entirely.
- Nationwide, 46 flights were delayed due to operational and weather-related factors.
The breakdown of delays:
- Islamabad – 11 flights
- Karachi – 12 flights
- Lahore – 11 flights
- Quetta – 3 flights
- Multan, Skardu, Peshawar – 1 flight each
Nationwide and International Fallout
Domestic Impact
The delays didn’t just affect Gilgit-bound flights—the ripple effect was felt across Pakistan. Travelers faced long hours at airports in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and other cities, with schedules thrown off balance.
International Impact
- A private airline’s Islamabad to Dubai flight was delayed by five hours.
- Two private flights from Lahore—one to Riyadh and one to Abu Dhabi—were delayed between four and ten hours.
- A foreign airline’s Muscat to Karachi service faced a 4.5-hour delay.
These delays left many passengers stranded in transit lounges, scrambling for updates and alternate connections.
Why Gilgit Airport Faces Frequent Disruptions
The mountainous terrain of Gilgit-Baltistan makes its airports particularly vulnerable to adverse weather. Fog, wind, and rain often reduce visibility, making it unsafe for aircraft to land or take off.
When Gilgit Airport flight cancellations occur, it often triggers a domino effect—airlines must reshuffle schedules, crew rotations are disrupted, and connecting flights, both domestic and international, get delayed.
Tips for Passengers During Flight Disruptions in Pakistan
- Check your flight status regularly through official airline websites or mobile apps.
- Stay updated on weather conditions via the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
- Plan for extra travel time if connecting to an international route.
- Consider alternate travel options like road trips to Skardu or nearby airports.
- Have flexible itineraries—especially during the monsoon and winter fog seasons.
Conclusion
Today’s Gilgit Airport shutdown serves as a reminder of how quickly weather in Pakistan can impact the nation’s air travel. Whether you’re a tourist heading for the valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan or a business traveler catching an international connection, being prepared can save you from long hours of uncertainty at the airport.
From Islamabad to Karachi, Lahore to Quetta, the flight delays in Pakistan show how interconnected the aviation network is. A single closure in the north can ripple across the entire country. Staying informed, adaptable, and ready with backup plans is the key to navigating such disruptions.
FAQs
Q1: Why were all flights at Gilgit Airport canceled today?
A: All flights at Gilgit Airport were canceled due to severe weather conditions in Gilgit-Baltistan, including fog and strong winds that made flying unsafe.
Q2: How many flights were delayed across Pakistan today?
A: A total of 46 flights nationwide were delayed, including both domestic and international routes, with major impacts in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.
Q3: How can passengers avoid issues during weather-related flight cancellations?
A: Passengers should check flight status regularly, monitor Pakistan Meteorological Department updates, and keep travel plans flexible to adjust for delays.
