Dense Fog Disrupts Traffic and Flight Operations in Karachi

News Desk 

Karachi: Dense fog blanketed several parts of Karachi on Thursday morning, reducing visibility to as low as 50 metres in some areas and causing major disruptions to road traffic and flight operations during early hours.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), severe fog reduced visibility at Jinnah International Airport to just 50 metres, forcing authorities to suspend flight operations for several hours. Poor visibility was also reported in Malir, Scheme 33, and other parts of the city, creating difficulties for commuters.

Airport officials said departures of at least 10 flights were affected, while only two alternate flights managed to take off. Doha–Karachi flight QR 610 and Jeddah–Karachi flight F 3829 were diverted to Muscat due to unsafe landing conditions. Another foreign flight from Jeddah remained airborne over the Arabian Sea while awaiting clearance to land.

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Several outbound flights were also impacted. Three Karachi–Islamabad flights could not depart, while Karachi–Istanbul flights TK 709 and PC 130 were put on hold. Abu Dhabi-bound flight EY 299, Muscat flight OV 514, Karachi–Lahore flight PK 302, and Riyadh-bound flight F 3662 were also delayed.

Weather analysts attributed the fog to an unusual rise in humidity caused by a change in wind direction. Humidity levels in the city have surged to between 85% and 95%, with the PMD reporting the current level at 93%.

Officials warned that the fog may persist as light winds and high moisture levels are preventing it from clearing quickly. Citizens have been advised to drive cautiously, as reduced visibility and slippery roads pose serious safety risks.

Similar foggy conditions are expected in other parts of Sindh and Balochistan, including Hyderabad, Sujawal, Gharo, Badin, Hub, Bela, Othal, and Jamshoro.

Meanwhile, air pollution in Karachi has worsened, with the city ranking among the world’s most polluted urban centres. The air quality index (AQI) reached a hazardous level of 218, raising health concerns for residents.

The Met Office forecast that over the next 24 hours, maximum temperatures in Karachi will remain between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius, while cold and dry weather is expected to continue.