A fire broke out in the lounge area of Lahore airport, causing chaos and disrupting operations of several international flights, including the first pilgrimage, Aaj News reported.
Thanks to the quick action of emergency personnel, the blaze was extinguished and there were no casualties. However, a fire broke out in the ceiling of the immigration counter, filling the lounge with smoke, necessitating the evacuation of passengers.
Footage broadcast by Aaj News showed billowing smoke and a noisy scene. Airport authorities have noted significant damage to the immigration counter and a specialized team has been dispatched to investigate the cause of the fire.
The incident had a ripple effect on flight schedules, with the first Hajj departure flight and five other international flights suffering delays. Qatar Airways flight QR629 was also damaged.
Despite immigration concerns, arriving international flights continued to be routed to Lahore airport without diversion. The lack of a state of emergency declared by airport authorities highlighted efforts to manage the situation.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) reassured the public that international flight operations were being managed from domestic departure lounges and that the situation caused by the short circuit was under control by early morning.
Currently, Hajj flights and international flights are operating using domestic facilities, and scheduled domestic flights are expected to resume soon. According to a report in Aaj News, the spokesperson stressed that smooth immigration procedures for incoming flights will be prioritized and disruption will be minimized in the aftermath of the incident.
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