Hope for travellers as Sialkot airport restarts amid Pakistan floods disruptions
Over 850,000 people evacuated from Punjab floods
DUBAI – Flights to and from Pakistan, especially Dubai routes, faced heavy disruption over the weekend and into Monday as flooding forced cancellations, delays, and temporary airport closures.
Operations at Sialkot International Airport, one of Pakistan’s busiest private airports, resumed at 6 pm local time on Monday after a precautionary shutdown due to floodwater in nearby areas.
سیالکوٹ انٹرنیشنل ائرپورٹ پر آج شام 6 بجے سے تمام فضائی آپریشن مکمل بحال کردیا جائے گا۔
Posted by Sialkot International Airport on Monday, September 1, 2025
Flight Operations Restored at Sialkot International Airport w.e.f 6:00 pm PST.
According to airport spokesperson Muhammad Umair Khan, the runway, taxiway, apron, and terminal remained safe, with no damage to airport infrastructure. The Pakistan Army and district authorities assisted in flood control measures. Flight services had been suspended since August 28, forcing Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to reroute several flights to Lahore.
Mr Hassan Ali Bhatti (Chairman), Mr Waqas Afzal (Vice Chairman), esteemed Board Members, and AVM Tanweer Ashraf Bhatti...
Posted by Sialkot International Airport on Sunday, August 31, 2025
Flight disruptions
Despite Sialkot’s reopening, major disruptions on the Dubai–Pakistan corridor persisted. Emirates cancelled flight UAE 618 from Dubai to Sialkot on Sunday night and UAE 619 from Sialkot to Dubai early Monday. Flydubai also cancelled flight FZ 337 bound for Sialkot at 00:40am Dubai time on Monday. FlightAware data showed PIA’s PK-179 and PK-204 services between Sialkot and Dubai suffered delays of more than two hours each.
In Pakistan, cancellations were not limited to Sialkot. Routes linking Dubai with Lahore and other cities also faced delays, leaving travellers stranded or forced to adjust travel plans. Authorities urged passengers to check flight schedules in advance, as irregular operations are expected to continue in the coming days.
Sialkot Airport, vital for both passenger and cargo traffic, particularly for the export industry, emphasised uninterrupted service as a priority during the monsoon season. Officials confirmed continuous monitoring of the situation, noting that floodwater in outer areas was still being drained.
Flood situation in Punjab
Beyond the airports, Pakistan’s Punjab province is grappling with what officials described as the biggest flood in its history. Weeks of above-average monsoon rains, combined with water releases from India’s rivers and dams, have caused the Ravi, Sutlej and Chenab rivers to swell to record levels.
The Punjab Disaster Management Authority said more than 850,000 people have been evacuated, with over 500,000 farm animals moved to safety. Drones are being used in rescue operations in Multan, Jhang, and surrounding districts where entire villages remain submerged. Despite over 1,000 relief camps being set up, official data shows fewer than 40,000 evacuees accommodated, raising concerns over displaced families.
Nationwide, the National Disaster Management Authority reported at least 854 deaths since late June in rain-related incidents. Punjab, home to 150 million people and the country’s wheat heartland, has recorded 33 deaths in just 10 days. Officials warned that a potential “super flood” in Sindh could occur if the Indus River reaches critical levels.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast further heavy rain through September. Authorities said the situation remains fluid, with flight operations, transport routes, and rescue work all heavily affected by the scale of the flooding.