Rain in Islamabad: Blessings and Disruptions in Twin Cities

Heavy Monsoon Rains Lash Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Disrupt Flights and Daily Life

ISLAMABAD / RAWALPINDI — July 17, 2025:
Torrential monsoon rains battered the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi early Thursday morning, bringing life to a halt and causing major disruptions at Islamabad International Airport, where more than 15 flights were delayed or cancelled.

A rain emergency has been declared in Rawalpindi as authorities scramble to cope with flooded streets, power outages, and transport disruptions across the city.

“It’s the heaviest spell of the season so far,” said a senior official at the Pakistan Meteorological Department, noting that more downpours are expected in the coming days.

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Flights Delayed, Cancelled Amid Persistent Rainfall

Heavy rain and poor visibility have had a major impact on air travel, especially at Islamabad International Airport. The airport’s official portal confirmed delays and cancellations across multiple domestic and international routes.

Affected flights include:

• British Airways BK2160 — delayed by 3 hours
• PIA to Dubai — delayed by 1 hour
• Private airline to Karachi — delayed by 2 hours
• Flights to Jeddah, Doha, Muscat, Riyadh, Baku, and Dubai — all delayed between 1–7 hours

In a significant development, six flights to and from Islamabad were fully cancelled, including those on the Islamabad–Skardu route:

• PIA’s PK-451 & PK-452
• AirSial’s PF-121 from Karachi

“All flights to Skardu have been suspended for the day,” confirmed a spokesperson from Civil Aviation, citing poor weather and zero visibility in mountainous regions.

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Jeddah, Dammam, and Riyadh Flights Most Affected

Inbound and outbound flights to and from the Middle East faced longer delays, some stretching into double-digit hours.

• Serene Air’s AR-810 to Jeddah, scheduled at 8:00 AM, was delayed over 12 hours
• AirSial’s PF-746 to Dammam was delayed by 7+ hours, rescheduled for 3:00 PM
• FlyDubai flight from Dubai landed 7 hours behind schedule
• Fly Jinnah from Riyadh arrived 6 hours late
• Serene Air’s inbound flight from Jeddah was held at origin due to weather
• PIA PK-144 from Al Ain delayed by 5 hours

Meanwhile, PIA’s PK-300 connecting Karachi and Islamabad was delayed by 2 hours, while AirSial’s Riyadh-bound flight awaited final clearance after weather complications grounded it temporarily.

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Rawalpindi Declares Rain Emergency

As Islamabad dealt with air traffic disruptions, Rawalpindi faced urban flooding in low-lying areas including Dhoke Kala Khan, Sadiqabad, and Committee Chowk. Rainwater inundated roads, causing major traffic congestion on Murree Road and Airport Road, with the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation deploying water suction machines in response.

“All departments are on high alert. We request citizens to avoid unnecessary travel,” said Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaqat Ali Chattha in a public advisory.

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Weather Outlook and Safety Advisory

The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicts more showers over the next 48–72 hours, with possible thundercloud activity in upper Punjab and northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

🌧️ Public is Advised to:

• Check flight status with airlines before heading to the airport
• Avoid flooded roads and underpasses
• Secure electrical appliances and avoid unnecessary travel
• Keep updated via PMD.gov.pk

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📍 Travel Note from Ambrina Hotel (Near Islamabad Airport)

If you’re a traveler facing flight delays or cancellations, Ambrina Hotel offers safe, comfortable lodging just minutes from Islamabad Airport with full amenities and round-the-clock service.