After the fire, the inner building of Lahore Airport was evacuated (Photo: Screen grab).
Lahore: A short-circuit fire and smoke filled the Allama Iqbal International Airport lounge, affecting Hajj flights as pilgrims were evacuated from the lounge and made to stand outside.
According to airport sources, the fire broke out around 5:30 am and the alarm could not be sounded due to smog. Aviation fire brigade personnel arrived after about an hour after the fire was reported. After the fire incident, the inner building of Lahore Airport was evacuated.
Due to the fire, the first Hajj flight PK 717 from Lahore to Madinah was delayed. .
According to sources, the immigration system was completely affected due to fire and smoke. Due to the malfunction in the system, domestic and international flights from Lahore were delayed.
On the other hand, a team of Civil Aviation Authority has been formed to find out the causes of the fire. According to CAA, the immigration counter was badly affected by the fire. The reasons for the fire are being ascertained under the supervision of the airport manager.
Later, the CAA issued a statement that a short circuit occurred in the special immigration area for Hajj pilgrims, which led to the fire. Flights are being dealt from the domestic side. Domestic flight operations are also expected to resume soon. Manual immigration of flights landing at Lahore Airport is being done.
According to immigration officials, six flights of domestic and foreign airlines, including PIA, were delayed due to the closure of the counters due to fire and smoke.
Meanwhile, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has called for a report on the fire incident at Lahore Airport and ordered an investigation.
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