LAHORE: Flight operations at Lahore Allama Iqbal International Airport came to a halt early Thursday morning following a fire outbreak in the lounge area, prompting swift evacuation measures by airport authorities.
The incident, which occurred in the sealing of the immigration counter, led to the lounge being engulfed in smoke, triggering immediate response from fire brigade and Rescue 1122 teams. Passengers, including those awaiting the departure of the first Hajj flight, were promptly evacuated from the affected area, ensuring their safety.
Fortunately, the fire was swiftly brought under control, and no casualties were reported. However, the immigration counter bore significant damage, temporarily suspending immigration processes as authorities work to assess and rectify the situation.
As a result of the incident, at least six international flights, including those from Qatar and Sri Lanka, experienced delays. Notably, the departure of the first Hajj flight was also affected, alongside the suspension of boarding for several flights.
While initial investigations point towards a short circuit as the probable cause of the fire, a dedicated team has been tasked by the Civil Aviation Authority to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter.
Despite the disruption, the airport authority did not declare an emergency, and incoming international flights were not redirected to alternative airports. However, concerns lingered over potential delays in the immigration process for arriving passengers.
