A major aviation incident was narrowly avoided on Saturday as Flight FL-842 from Karachi to Lahore encountered severe turbulence and extreme weather conditions during its landing attempt at Allama Iqbal International Airport.
Karachi Lahore flight turbulence occurred during what initially seemed like a routine descent. According to eyewitness accounts, the moment the aircraft’s wheels touched the runway, a sudden and powerful sandstorm engulfed the plane, forcing the pilot to immediately abort the landing and take off again.
One of the passengers on Flight FL 842 Karachi to Lahore described the experience as harrowing. “The descent was smooth — no jolts, no signs of trouble. But the moment we touched the runway, everything changed. A massive sandstorm slammed into the aircraft, and within seconds, we were back in the air.”
He continued, “What followed was one of the most terrifying experiences I’ve ever had. We were caught in the middle of a violent storm, with visibility at zero and the plane shaking violently as it hit multiple air pockets. At least five times, the aircraft dropped hundreds of feet. People were screaming, some were crying, others praying — it was complete chaos.”
As Flight FL-842 climbed above the storm, passengers witnessed a stark contrast — from swirling sand and blinding wind to calm, bright skies above the clouds. “Suddenly, everything went still. We emerged into the sunlight, and you could feel the collective relief in the cabin. It was surreal,” the passenger added.
The pilot, following air traffic control instructions, decided to return the aircraft to Karachi to ensure the safety of all onboard. Upon landing, Flight FL-842 was refueled and prepped for another attempt to Lahore once conditions improved. However, the terrifying mid-air episode left a lasting impact on many.
Airport sources confirmed that at least 57 passengers refused to continue their journey. “After what we went through, I couldn’t even think of getting back on that plane,” another passenger said.
The offboarding process, along with the return of passenger luggage, caused further delays. Several other flights were also affected by the intense weather. Two flights heading to Lahore, including a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight from Islamabad, were diverted to Karachi. Departures from Lahore were similarly delayed.
Fortunately, as weather conditions improved later in the evening, operations at Lahore airport resumed. Flights PK-305 and PA-405 successfully departed for Karachi.
The incident with Flight FL-842 from Karachi to Lahore has sparked serious discussions among passengers and aviation observers regarding preparedness and response to sudden weather changes. While no injuries were reported, the emotional toll on passengers was significant.
This Karachi Lahore flight turbulence event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the critical role of trained pilots and responsive air traffic systems in keeping air travel safe.
