Sialkot Airport Closed Due to Floods on August 28, 2025 – Flights Diverted, Rescue Operations Ongoing

Sialkot Airport Shut Down Due to Flooding – August 28, 2025

On August 28, 2025, heavy rainfall and flash floods forced the closure of Sialkot International Airport in Pakistan. Authorities confirmed that all flight operations were suspended from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. as floodwater entered the airport premises, raising serious safety concerns for passengers, staff, and aircraft.

The city of Sialkot witnessed unprecedented downpours that left roads, residential areas, and marketplaces submerged. The drainage system collapsed under the pressure, and waterlogged streets disrupted transport, businesses, and daily life. Neighboring districts including Gujrat and Wazirabad were also affected, where dozens of homes were flooded and families had to be shifted to safer locations.

At the airport, emergency teams deployed dewatering pumps to clear the runway and protect the terminal building. The national airline diverted all major flights, including those bound for Jeddah, Dammam, and Kuwait, to Lahore Airport. Passengers were provided with special helplines for updated schedules and a shuttle service was arranged to transport travelers between Sialkot and Lahore.

Rescue services, including Rescue 1122, actively evacuated stranded residents, distributed food and clean water, and delivered medical assistance in flood-hit areas. Army personnel were also seen assisting in relief efforts, particularly in hard-to-reach neighborhoods.

The Meteorological Department issued warnings of more heavy rainfall in the coming days, which could raise river water levels and worsen flooding in Punjab. Citizens were urged to avoid low-lying areas and move to designated safe zones to minimize risk.

Experts believe this flood highlights Pakistan’s growing vulnerability to climate change and extreme weather events. Sialkot, known globally for its export industries and sports goods manufacturing, relies heavily on uninterrupted air connectivity. The airport’s closure not only disrupted travel but also raised concerns about economic losses and supply chain delays.

This situation underscores the urgent need for stronger disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience. Without long-term investment in climate adaptation, repeated cycles of flooding will continue to damage critical facilities, hinder international trade, and threaten livelihoods in one of Pakistan’s most industrially important cities.

The closure of Sialkot Airport serves as a reminder that climate-driven disasters are no longer rare events but recurring threats. For the people of Sialkot and Pakistan at large, today’s crisis is a warning to prepare better for tomorrow.