Intro

A significant fire erupted at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport on Saturday, April 26, 2025, leading to the cancellation of all flights and a temporary closure of the runway. The incident occurred when a Pakistan Army aircraft’s tire caught fire during landing, causing panic among passengers and staff. ​The Financial Express+1NewsX World+1Lokmat Times+4NewsX World+4The Financial Express+4

Emergency services, including fire brigades from the Airport Security Force (ASF) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), responded promptly and managed to control the blaze. No casualties or significant injuries have been reported. However, the incident disrupted flight operations, including delays to Hajj and international flights. Some Hajj flights operated by Pakistan International Airlines, Airblue, and Air Sial departed on time, while others were suspended or rerouted. ​PatrikaFresh Airstrike Yemen+1Instagram+1

Following the fire, the Pakistan Army assumed control of the airport, and all entry points were temporarily closed as a security measure. Passengers were advised to contact their airlines for updates on flight statuses. ​Patrika

This incident has raised concerns about the safety and infrastructure of Pakistan’s airports. Notably, Allama Iqbal International Airport experienced a similar fire in May 2024 due to a short circuit, which disrupted immigration services. ​Organiser+3NewsX World+3X (formerly Twitter)+3

For a visual account of the incident, you can watch the following video:  

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Details

• Flight Disruptions: The fire led to the suspension of international flight operations, with at least 30 flights canceled and several others delayed. Notably, the first Hajj flight scheduled for 8:30 AM was halted, and six other international flights, including Qatar Airways flight QR 629, faced delays. ​Geo News+3The Times of India+3Aaj English TV+3
• Evacuation and Safety Measures: Passengers were evacuated from the airport as smoke filled the lounge area. Two individuals, a woman and a child, were hospitalized due to smoke inhalation. ​The Times of India+2Aaj English TV+2Aaj English TV+2SAMAA TV
• Emergency Response: The Airport Security Force (ASF) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) firefighters responded promptly, bringing the fire under control by 8:00 AM. However, the immigration system was completely destroyed, necessitating manual processing of passengers. ​Geo News+2Nation+2SAMAA TV+2
• Operational Adjustments: To manage the situation, international flights were processed through the domestic departure lounge. The CAA announced that the airport would remain closed until 10:00 PM to facilitate repairs and ensure passenger safety. ​Aaj English TV+2The Times of India+2Aaj English TV+2Aaj English TV+1Aaj English TV+1
• Investigation: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi ordered a detailed investigation into the incident. A preliminary report indicated that the fire was caused by a short circuit in the ceiling of the immigration area. ​Geo News+1Nation+1Nation+2SAMAA TV+2Geo News+2

By late evening, international flight operations had resumed, with authorities working to restore normalcy. Passengers were advised to stay in contact with their airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules. ​SAMAA TV

This incident underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols and regular maintenance checks to prevent such occurrences in the future.

A significant fire erupted at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport on Saturday, April 26, 2025, leading to the cancellation of all flights and a temporary closure of the runway. The incident occurred when a Pakistan Army aircraft’s tire caught fire during landing, causing panic among passengers and staff. ​

Emergency services, including fire brigades from the Airport Security Force (ASF) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), responded promptly and managed to control the blaze. No casualties or significant injuries have been reported. However, the incident disrupted flight operations, including delays to Hajj and international flights. Some Hajj flights operated by Pakistan International Airlines, Airblue, and Air Sial departed on time, while others were suspended or rerouted. ​

Following the fire, the Pakistan Army assumed control of the airport, and all entry points were temporarily closed as a security measure. Passengers were advised to contact their airlines for updates on flight statuses. ​

This incident has raised concerns about the safety and infrastructure of Pakistan’s airports. Notably, Allama Iqbal International Airport experienced a similar fire in May 2024 due to a short circuit, which disrupted immigration services. ​

For a visual account of the incident, you can watch the following video:​

Massive Blaze at Allama Iqbal International Airport, Flights Cancelled