KARACHI: A thick layer of fog enveloped Karachi on Thursday morning, severely disrupting air travel and road traffic across the city. Visibility dropped to a mere 50 meters in several areas, leading to the cancellation of multiple flights and creating hazardous driving conditions on major highways.
Flight Operations Grounded and Delayed
Flight operations at Jinnah International Airport were partially suspended as low visibility took a toll on the schedule. According to airport sources, 6 flights were cancelled, while over 10 domestic and international flights faced significant delays or rescheduling.
- Cancelled Flights: Air China (CA-946 to Beijing), AirAsia X (D7-109 to Kuala Lumpur), Air Sial (PF-123 to Islamabad, PF-145 to Lahore), and Airblue (PA-206 to Islamabad, PA-404 to Lahore).
- Delayed Flights: Major carriers including PIA, Qatar Airways, FlyDubai, and Saudi Arabian Airlines reported delays. A Qatar Airways flight originally scheduled for 9:00 AM has been moved to 4:30 PM.
Impact on Road Traffic (M-9 Motorway)
The M-9 Motorway (Karachi-Hyderabad) was heavily affected, particularly the stretch from Karachi to DHA City. The Motorway Police have issued an advisory for commuters:
- Keep vehicle speeds low and use fog lights.
- Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
- Avoid overtaking and strictly follow lane discipline.
- In case of emergency, contact the 130 helpline.
Weather Outlook and Statistics
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) noted that this is the second instance of extreme fog in Karachi this winter, following a similar event on December 21, 2024. Humidity levels reached a staggering 95% this morning, which triggered the dense fog.
- Temperature: The minimum temperature today was recorded at 12.5°C. It is expected to hover between 11°C and 13°C tomorrow.
- Next 24 Hours: The weather is expected to remain cold and dry, with more fog predicted for tonight and early Friday morning.
The affected areas included Surjani Town, Gulistan-e-Johar, Scheme 33, Ahsanabad, DHA Phase 8, Malir, and Gulshan-e-Hadeed.
