Air Sial Karachi-Lahore Flight Passengers Stranded Overnight After Repeated Delays and Cancellation

Passengers on Air Sial’s flight PF145 from Karachi to Lahore faced hours of frustration and disruption after the domestic service suffered multiple delays before being fully cancelled in the early hours.

The flight, originally scheduled for a 6:00 PM departure, was repeatedly postponed, first to 8:00 PM, then 11:00 PM, and later to 2:00 AM, before airline staff informed weary travellers of its cancellation around 2:30 AM. Many passengers, including families with young children and elderly individuals, were left stranded at Jinnah International Airport without adequate food, water, or proper accommodation arrangements.

Video footage from the scene showed crowds of travellers gathered near the departure gates, surrounded by luggage, as flight information screens continued to display the delayed status of the service. Affected passengers reported receiving minimal updates from airline staff and little assistance with alternative travel plans or overnight lodging.

One stranded traveller described the ordeal: “We waited for hours without clear information, and then they just cancelled it without providing hotels or proper support.”

Air Sial, a newer player in Pakistan’s domestic aviation market, has previously faced criticism for operational hiccups on busy routes. Such delays and cancellations are not uncommon in the country’s aviation sector, often attributed to technical issues, weather conditions, or scheduling challenges. However, many travellers argue that airlines frequently fall short in providing basic passenger welfare during these disruptions.

According to civil aviation regulations, passengers affected by cancellations are entitled to rebooking on the next available flight, a full refund, and essential amenities when stranded for extended periods. Air Sial has yet to issue a detailed public statement on this specific incident.

Many of the affected passengers eventually arranged alternative transportation or waited for rescheduled services the following day.