At least six international flights including the first two Hajj flights were delayed after a fire that broke out in the lounge area of the Lahore airport early morning on Thursday. The fire was quickly brought under control and no damage to life was reported. The fire erupted in the sealing of the immigration counter. Following this, smoke filled the lounge, leading to the evacuation of passengers from the airport building. To ascertain the cause of the fire, a team has been formed. The immigration counter has been significantly affected by the fire, according to airport authorities. This incident has also resulted in delays for the departure of the first Hajj flight. A total of six flights were also delayed. Qatar Airways flight QR 629 was among the affected flights.

However, incoming international flights were not diverted to other airports, although it was feared that immigration process on the arrival desk will be affected. The airport authority have not declared any emergency. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued a statement saying the airport was processing international flights from the domestic departure lounge. According to the statement, the situation that arose due to the short circuit was brought under control around 5:00 a.m. this morning. According to the CAA, Hajj and other international flights are currently being handled through the domestic side, and it is expected that domestic flight operations will resume soon. According to the spokesperson, the main focus is on the smooth immigration of flights landing at Lahore Airport.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan