A massive fire erupted at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, Pakistan, on Saturday, April 26, 2025, leading to the cancellation of all flights. The incident occurred when a tire on a Pakistan Army aircraft caught fire during landing, igniting a blaze that quickly drew attention.
Emergency services responded promptly, dispatching fire engines to the scene to control the flames. As a precautionary measure, the runway has been temporarily closed, causing significant disruption for travelers at one of the country’s busiest airports.
Videos capturing the chaos at the airport have gone viral on social media, showing thick black smoke billowing into the air. Passengers can be seen struggling amid the smoke, expressing concern and confusion about the unfolding situation. "Lahore Airport is burning 🔥," tweeted user Sudhir, sharing a clip that encapsulated the tense atmosphere.
Fortunately, there have been no reports of casualties or major damage resulting from the fire. The quick response from fire services helped contain the situation before it escalated further, allowing for a controlled environment as authorities assessed the damage.
This incident is not the first of its kind at Allama Iqbal International Airport. On May 9, 2024, a short circuit sparked a fire in the ceiling above the immigration counter, leading to a major disruption of the entire immigration system at the airport. Such recurring incidents have raised serious concerns about the aging infrastructure and lax enforcement of safety protocols in Pakistan’s aviation sector.
In a related development, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines from Thursday evening, April 24, 2025, in response to five significant decisions made by the Indian government following the Pahalgam terror attack. This closure is expected to affect over 800 flights per week, forcing airlines to reroute their operations.
Flights from North India to various destinations in West Asia, Europe, the UK, and North America are being rerouted, adding anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours of extra flight time, depending on the final destination. Major Indian airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, regularly operate international flights to these regions, many of which typically fly over Pakistani airspace.
The impact of the airspace closure is already visible, with increased operational costs for airlines due to longer routes and more complex crew scheduling. The situation exemplifies the broader geopolitical tensions in the region, further complicating travel for passengers and airlines alike.
As investigations into the recent fire at Lahore Airport continue, authorities are expected to assess the necessary steps to improve safety standards and infrastructure. The need for stricter enforcement of safety protocols has never been more urgent, especially in light of the recent incidents.
Travelers and airport staff are left grappling with the aftermath of the fire, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by Pakistan’s aviation sector. With safety concerns mounting, it remains to be seen how the authorities will address these issues moving forward.
