Dense Fog Disrupts Travel in Punjab: Road Closures and Flight Delays Explained

Imagine waking up to a world swallowed by white. That's what happened across Punjab on Wednesday. Thick fog rolled in overnight, turning familiar roads into hazy mazes. Drivers slowed to a crawl, and planes sat grounded. It's not just inconvenient, it's risky. And it's happening right now in early 2026.

This isn't new for winter in Pakistan, but this spell feels heavier. The cold snap has gripped the region for days. Temperatures dipped low, and the air turned still. Fog formed, dense and stubborn. It stuck around from night into morning, catching everyone off guard.

What Caused This Fog Mess?

The Pakistan Meteorological Department nailed it. Cold, dry air settled over Punjab, upper Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa plains. No wind to stir things up. Moisture in the air condensed into fog. Visibility plummeted to 20-50 meters in spots like Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan, and Faisalabad.

But it's more than weather. Pollution plays a part. Lahore hit an AQI of 186 that day, ranking sixth worst globally for air quality. Smog mixes with fog, making it thicker and dirtier. It's called "smog" sometimes, but this was pure fog amplified by bad air. And with no rain to wash it away, it lingers.

A western weather system might change that. It could bring rain to upper Punjab and the northern hills soon. That might clear the air, but until then, expect more of the same. Fog at night and early mornings, cold winds during the day.

Road Travel Hit Hard

Roads took the biggest hit. Major motorways shut down overnight. The M-2 from Islamabad to Lahore? Closed. M-3 from Lahore to Abdul Hakim, gone. M-4 from Pindi Bhattian to Multan, out. M-5 from Multan to Sukkur, same story. M-11 from Sialkot to Lahore and M-14 from Mianwali to Dera Ismail Khan are all sealed off.

Why?

Visibility dropped to near zero between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. Driving in that is like navigating blind. Motorway Police had no choice. They diverted traffic to national highways, but those weren't much better. Grand Trunk Road and others saw slow-moving lines of cars and trucks.

Accidents spiked, too. Near Samah Sattah, a collision turned fatal. In other areas, pile-ups injured dozens. It's a reminder: fog isn't just slow; it's deadly. Commuters in central Punjab faced the worst. Lahore to Faisalabad? Hours added to trips. Freight movement stalled, hitting businesses.

And it's not just Punjab. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh felt it. M-1 from Peshawar to Islamabad had sections closed. National highways in Pattoki, Okara, and Sahiwal crawled with traffic. Authorities urged people to stay home if possible.

Air Travel Grounded in Lahore

Flights suffered too. At Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, operations ground to a halt. Multiple international flights have been canceled. Others were delayed by hours, two to five, in some cases.

Destinations like Dubai, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Istanbul, Doha, Karachi, and Sharjah? All affected. Visibility hit 50 meters at times. Planes couldn't land or take off safely. Passengers waited in terminals, frustrated but understanding. One traveler shared online: "Staff can't control the fog. Better late than never."

This isn't isolated. Earlier in January, similar fog suspended flights for eight hours. Some got diverted to Islamabad. It's a pattern this winter. Airports in other cities like Multan and Faisalabad saw issues too, though Lahore bore the brunt.

The Broader Impact: Health and Daily Life

Beyond travel, this fog chills daily life. Lahore's minimum temperature was 3.6°C that day. Cold winds cut through the haze. People bundled up, but the poor air quality made it worse. Breathing that smog-fog mix? Not healthy. It irritates eyes, throats, and lungs. Kids and the elderly stay indoors.

Schools in some areas delayed starts. Businesses opened late. Even rail travel felt the ripple; trains slowed on foggy tracks. It's a full paralysis in spots. And with the cold wave ongoing, it's disrupting routines across the region.

Pollution rankings highlight the problem. Lahore's AQI at 186 means "unhealthy." Particles in the air trap heat but also worsen fog. It's a cycle: bad air leads to thicker fog, which traps more pollution.

What's the Forecast Looking Like?

The Met Department says moderate to dense fog will stick around. Punjab, upper Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa plains are all in for it, especially nights and mornings. But that Western system? It might bring rain to upper Punjab and northern areas. Snow in the hills, too.

If it rains, visibility could improve. The air might clear. But until then, cold and dry rules. Temperatures will stay low, and fog will be persistent. Check updates daily if you're traveling.

Safety First: Tips from Authorities

Motorway Police and officials have clear advice. Avoid unnecessary trips. If you must go, drive during the day when the fog lifts. Use fog lights, keep a distance, and slow down.

For air travel, check flight status early. Apps and airport sites help. And overall, stay informed. Weather apps and news channels use them.

In fog like this, patience saves lives. Rushing leads to accidents. Better to wait it out.

Wrapping Up the Fog Saga

This Wednesday's fog showed how the weather can halt a region. From closed roads to delayed flights, it touched everyone. But it's also a call to prepare. Winter in Pakistan means fog surrounds it.

As the cold lingers, keep an eye on forecasts. Rain might break the spell soon. Until then, stay safe out there. Travel smart, and remember: the fog will lift eventually. For more updates, visit DrivePK.com