A huge fire erupted at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport in Pakistan on Saturday, prompting the suspension of all flight operations with immediate effect. The fire resulted in major disruption, though no casualties or significant damages have been reported yet.
Sources revealed that the fire started when a Pakistan Army aircraft experienced a tyre malfunction during landing. Emergency services, including fire brigades, were promptly deployed to control the blaze. As a result, the airport’s runway has been temporarily closed to ensure safety.
Video from the scene has emerged on social media platforms, depicting thick black smoke pouring out of the location and panicked passengers responding to the mayhem. The 32-second video features passengers talking about what is happening as smoke rises in the distance.
This recent episode has rekindled fears regarding safety norms at Lahore’s main airport. A blaze ignited by an electrical short circuit at the immigration counter hit airport operations hard last year. Such repeated instances highlight persistent issues of infrastructure maintenance and emergency preparedness at one of Pakistan’s busiest airports.
The authorities are still probing the origin of the fire at Allama Iqbal Airport, and no schedule has yet been given for the return to normal airport operations.