The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has refuted media reports claiming an eight-day closure of Islamabad International Airport, calling them “incorrect and misleading.” In an official statement, PAA Spokesperson Saifullah Khan clarified that flight operations would only be halted for two-hour intervals on specific days due to airspace activities ahead of Independence Day. The shutdowns will occur from August 6-9 and August 11-14 (11 AM–1 PM), with additional evening closures on August 9 and 11 (8 PM–10 PM). Passengers were assured that all other flights would operate normally.
The government has themed this year’s Independence Day celebrations as “Marka-i-Haq”, symbolizing Pakistan’s resilience during the May conflict with India. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized nationwide uniformity in celebrations, instructing schools, universities, and overseas missions to follow a coordinated program. The move aims to reinforce national pride and unity while honoring the country’s progress.
The announcement follows recent flight disruptions during the Pakistan-India tensions, which stranded hundreds of passengers at major airports, including Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, and Sialkot. The Defence Ministry revealed that the PAA suffered a loss of Rs4.1 billion between April 24 and June 30 due to these closures, highlighting the economic impact of airspace restrictions.
In related news, Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport will experience daily runway closures (5 AM–8 AM) from July 1 to September 15 due to increased bird activity. The PAA advised travelers to stay updated with their airlines to avoid inconvenience. These measures underscore the balancing act between security protocols, operational efficiency, and passenger convenience during high-traffic periods.