The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced a temporary daily closure of Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport for three hours over the next three months. Starting from July 10 to September 10, both runways will be unavailable from 5 am to 8 am due to increased bird activity during the monsoon season. This precautionary measure aims to mitigate the risk of bird strikes, which can pose serious safety hazards to aircraft and passengers.
The decision, communicated via Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to all domestic and international airlines, comes as a response to the seasonal rise in bird presence around the airport, influenced by weather changes and food availability.
An official from the CAA stressed that passenger and aircraft safety remains their foremost priority. Emergency landing provisions will be in place if necessary, despite the closure. The CAA is collaborating closely with airlines to minimize disruption to flight schedules and ensure operations run smoothly outside of the closure hours.
Travellers are advised to check with their airlines for any updates to their travel plans during this period. The CAA reassures that measures are in place to effectively manage the situation and minimize inconvenience to passengers.
