LAHORE: Both runways at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport will be closed for three hours daily for 70 days, from July 5 to September 15, for commercial flights during the upcoming monsoon season, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said Wednesday, citing precautionary safety measures due to increased bird activity.
“During the monsoon season, bird activity in and around the airport, particularly below 3,000 feet, increases significantly. Accordingly, pilots have been advised to exercise increased caution during aircraft approach and departure,” the authority said.
It added that airlines have also been advised to carry sufficient fuel for any expected ground or airborne delays.
“As part of these precautionary safety measures, both runways [at the Lahore airport] will remain unavailable daily from 5 till 8 pm, from July 5 to Sept. 15, 2026, when bird activity is at its peak. Scheduled commercial flights will continue to operate outside these hours,” the PAA said, adding that in case of an emergency, the runway will be made available for landing.
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has also been issued regarding the decision.
The PAA said it will maintain the “highest standards of aviation safety while minimizing inconvenience to passengers and airline operators.”
