Fog and Flight Delays in Lahore, Islamabad & Multan
Fog causes the most weather delays on the northern plains of Pakistan, mainly in winter. When visibility drops below the minimum for landing or takeoff, flights are held, diverted or cancelled until it improves.
Why fog affects flights
Pilots need to see the runway, or use instrument approaches with defined visibility limits. In dense fog visibility can fall to a few hundred metres. Below the limits for the airport, runway and aircraft, flights cannot land or take off. See visibility and RVR.
When it happens
Fog is most common from roughly December to January, and forms at night, being densest around dawn. It often lifts in the late morning, though in some spells it lingers all day. A foggy morning can cause delays that last into the evening because aircraft and crews are out of position.
Which airports
Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, Faisalabad and Sialkot are among the airports affected, along with others on the northern plains.
How airports and airlines cope
- Low-visibility operations: airports and aircraft equipped and approved for them keep operating in thicker fog. See CAT III and ILS.
- Schedule adjustments: airlines may retime or cancel flights.
- Diversions: flights may go to alternates; see alternate airport.
What passengers can do
- Check the live weather: Lahore, Islamabad, Multan.
- Prefer flights later in the day, and allow connection buffers.
- Keep your phone on for updates.
- See what to do if your flight is cancelled.
General information only, not legal or safety advice. Details change; check with your airline and the relevant authority. See our editorial policy.