A fire broke out at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, Pakistan, on Thursday, May 9, 2024, causing significant disruptions to international flights and prompting an immediate investigation. The fire, which originated in the ceiling above the immigration counter, led to the evacuation of the airport and the cancellation or delay of several flights, including the first two Hajj flights of the season. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but officials believe it may have been caused by an electrical short circuit.
The airport authorities have shifted flight operations to the domestic departure lounge to accommodate both Hajj and international travelers. While domestic flight operations are expected to resume shortly, incoming international flights are continuing to land as scheduled. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has confirmed that the fire has been controlled and is working to minimize disruptions and ensure seamless immigration processing for arriving passengers.
The incident highlights the importance of airport safety and the need for robust fire prevention and response measures. The airport authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the fire and to implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest flight information and to arrive at the airport early to allow for additional security and immigration checks.
