Dense fog blanketed Karachi early Thursday morning, sharply reducing visibility across several areas and severely disrupting flight operations at the city’s airport. In some locations, visibility dropped to as low as 50 metres, creating serious challenges for commuters and air traffic.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, visibility at Jinnah International Airport fell to just 50 metres, forcing authorities to suspend flight operations during the early morning hours. Areas including Malir, Scheme 33, and surrounding neighbourhoods were also affected by poor visibility.
As a result, the departure of at least 10 flights was impacted. Several international flights were either delayed or diverted. A Doha to Karachi flight and a Jeddah to Karachi flight were diverted to Muscat, while another foreign flight continued circling over the Arabian Sea awaiting clearance. Multiple domestic and international departures, including flights to Islamabad, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Lahore, and Riyadh, remained on hold.
Weather experts attributed the fog to a sudden rise in humidity levels, caused by a change in wind direction. Humidity in Karachi surged between 85 and 95 percent, with the PMD confirming current levels at 93 percent. Light winds combined with high moisture content have prevented the fog from clearing quickly.
Authorities advised citizens to drive cautiously, warning that reduced visibility and slippery roads pose significant risks. Similar foggy conditions are expected in nearby areas, while air pollution in Karachi has worsened, raising additional health concerns.
