A private airline flight from Karachi to Lahore narrowly averted a major incident on Saturday after it encountered a severe storm while attempting to land at Allama Iqbal International Airport, officials reported.
Flight FL-842 experienced intense mid-air turbulence and unstable conditions during its landing approach, necessitating a go-around maneuver.
“The descent was smooth — no jolts, no signs of trouble. But the moment the plane’s wheels touched the runway, everything changed. A powerful sandstorm slammed into the aircraft, and within seconds, the pilot aborted the landing and took off again,” a passenger recounted their terrifying experience.
They elaborated: “What followed was easily one of the most terrifying experiences I’ve ever had in the air. For the next 10 to 12 minutes, the plane was caught in the heart of a violent sandstorm. Visibility dropped to zero, thick sand swirled around us, and the wind was so fierce it felt like the plane was being tossed around like a kite in a hurricane.
“We hit at least five massive air pockets, each time the plane dropped hundreds of feet. Passengers screamed with every sudden plunge. Some cried out in fear, others clutched their seats or the hands of strangers. It was chaos inside, while outside the storm raged on.
“Then, suddenly, everything changed. As the plane climbed higher, the sand began to fade. Visibility slowly returned, and we emerged into bright, blinding sunlight above the clouds. The violent wind that had battered us just moments earlier vanished, and for a brief, surreal moment, it felt like we were standing still in the sky.
“A collective sigh of relief spread through the cabin. Passengers looked out the windows in awe, some with tears in their eyes. Quiet prayers of thanks and whispered words of gratitude to God filled the air.
“I’ve flown through turbulence all over the world, but nothing comes close to this. It was a reminder of just how small we are in the face of nature — and how extraordinary it is to come through the storm.”
The pilot, adhering to instructions from air traffic control, flew the aircraft back to Karachi to ensure the safety of those on board.
Meanwhile, airport sources stated that 57 passengers from the same flight refused to continue their journey due to the distressing experience.
According to passengers, the aircraft was subjected to intense turbulence at least five times as it approached Lahore airport. “The plane was violently jolted in the air, and even during the attempted landing,” one passenger described.
“The pilot eventually aborted the landing and flew the aircraft back to Karachi.”
After a safe landing in Karachi, the aircraft was refueled and prepared for a second attempt to Lahore once weather conditions improved. However, dozens of distressed passengers disembarked and cancelled their travel plans.
The offloading of these passengers, along with the retrieval of their luggage, caused further delays in the flight’s subsequent departure to Lahore, sources added.
They further indicated that at least two flights inbound to Lahore airport were diverted to Karachi due to the storm and adverse weather. A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight from Islamabad to Lahore was also rerouted to Karachi.
Additionally, the departure of two Karachi-bound flights from Lahore was delayed due to the ongoing inclement weather.
However, as weather conditions in Lahore improved, arrivals and departures at Allama Iqbal International Airport resumed, with flights PK-305 and PA-405 departing for Karachi.
