The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced that Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore will be closed daily from 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM between July 1 and September 15, 2025. This decision aims to mitigate risks associated with increased bird activity during the monsoon season, which poses a potential threat to flight safety.
The announcement was made following a recent meeting that addressed the presence of birds around the airport’s runway. The CAA emphasized the importance of enhancing flight safety and has instructed all domestic and international airlines to adjust their flight schedules accordingly. Airlines must consider check-in availability, aircraft parking, and lounge capacity during these restricted hours to ensure smooth operations and minimize disruptions for passengers.
Airlines have been instructed to adjust their domestic and international flight schedules to accommodate these closures.
Last year, Lahore Airport recorded the highest number of bird strikes in Pakistan, with 28 incidents reported. This was followed by Islamabad with 18, Karachi with 17, Multan with 14, and Faisalabad with 6.
The impact of these strikes has been significant, with nine Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) aircraft damaged, leading to substantial repair costs for the airline. So far this year, 25 bird-hit incidents have already been reported.