People are facing trouble finding flights to Lahore as a large number is travelling to the city ahead of Basant 2026, with a total of eight flights being cancelled, and 34 others being delayed nationwide.
Basant 2026: flights to Lahore
According to airline sources, not a single seat is available on any Karachi–Lahore flight.
While four Karachi to Lahore flights have been specifically cancelled due to the surge in demand. Today, 22 flights between the two cities are scheduled.
Travel to Lahore is becoming increasingly expensive ahead of the Basant 2026 festival. The sudden rush has pushed the travel fares to record levels.
Both Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and private carriers have increased fares in response to the seasonal rush.
One-way air tickets have reportedly exceeded Rs68,000. The prices continue to climb as more travellers head to Lahore for the Basant festival.
The public holiday on February 5 has further intensified demand. This has left many passengers with little choice but to purchase high-priced tickets.
Passengers have also complained that airlines are taking advantage of the situation by imposing excessive fare hikes. They add that this has made travel unaffordable for many families.
The airlines operating on the busy Karachi to Lahore route have also raised ticket prices sharply due to limited seat availability and heavy bookings ahead of the celebrations.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Railways has been unable to provide relief as well.
As the trains on the Karachi to Lahore route are operating near full capacity.
The shortage of available tickets has made many travellers rely on air travel even though the fares are inflated.
Kite flying banned near Lahore Airport during Basant 2026
Separately, the district administration has imposed a ban on kite flying in areas surrounding Allama Iqbal International Airport to ensure the safety of flight operations during the Basant festival.
According to a notification issued by the deputy commissioner, kite flying will be prohibited in zones located within the aircraft approach and departure paths of the airport from February 6 to 8, 2026, the three days of the Basant festival.
The restriction is expected to prevent any risk to aircraft and passengers during take off and landing. This is because a large number of people are expected to participate in Basant celebrations across the city.
