Why Northern Flights Cancel: Visual Flight Rules Explained
Flights to Skardu, Gilgit and Chitral are cancelled often because they rely on visual conditions: the crew must be able to see the terrain, and mountain weather can change within an hour.
What visual flight rules mean
Visual flight rules (VFR) allow flying by sight when visibility and cloud meet minimums. Instrument flight rules (IFR) allow flying in cloud by using instruments and approaches. Many mountain approaches in northern Pakistan are flown visually, because they pass through valleys where instrument procedures are limited.
What stops a flight
- Low cloud in the valley: the aircraft cannot see its path.
- Poor visibility: haze, rain or snow reduce what the crew can see.
- Strong or gusty wind: mountain terrain makes wind unpredictable.
- Timing: conditions often worsen later in the day.
Why you may be told on the day
Crews check conditions at the destination before and during the flight. If the weather does not allow, the flight may turn back, divert, or be cancelled before departure.
How passengers cope
- Choose earlier flights.
- Allow spare days; see snow and flights to Skardu and Gilgit.
- Look at live weather on the Skardu and Gilgit pages.
- Understand your refund rights; see passenger rights.
More
Northern areas airports, ceiling and visibility.
General information only, not legal or safety advice. Details change; check with your airline and the relevant authority. See our editorial policy.