LAHORE: Runways at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport will remain closed daily for three hours from July 1 to September 15, 2025, due to increased bird activity during the monsoon season, the Pakistan Airport Authority (PAA) announced.
According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the PAA, the runways will be closed from 5am to 8am each day throughout this period. However, the NOTAM stated that pilots may use the runway in emergency situations.
The step has been taken to prevent bird strikes, which pose a serious risk to aircraft during takeoff and landing. The decision follows a rise in bird strike incidents, especially in the monsoon months.
Airlines have been instructed to adjust their domestic and international flight schedules accordingly.
Runway Closure Schedule – Lahore Airport
| Start Date | End Date | Daily Closure Time | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2025 | September 15, 2025 | 5:00 AM – 8:00 AM | Increased bird activity during monsoon |
Last year, Lahore airport recorded the highest number of bird strikes with 28 cases, followed by Islamabad with 18 and Karachi with 17. Multan reported 14 incidents, and Faisalabad had 6.
A total of nine Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) aircraft were damaged, causing major repair expenses for the airline. This year so far, 25 bird-hit incidents have already been reported, according to an official report.
Punjab Govt Plans to Make Lahore ‘Dust-Free City’
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has begun efforts to make Lahore the first dust-free city in Pakistan. Strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be implemented for all construction activities to reduce pollution.
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Secretary Housing and Urban Development Noor-ul-Amin Mengal visited the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) headquarters, where DG LDA Tahir Farooq gave a briefing on ongoing and future projects. As part of the dust-free campaign, rules for construction will be made stricter to control dust and environmental damage.
Mengal stated that uniform development standards will be followed by all departments. He also announced that new laws will be introduced for the outer designs of commercial buildings, with a focus on environmental protection.
He criticized the growing number of colorful and poorly designed buildings, saying they spoil the beauty of the city. He added that proper standards would help ensure sustainability and better planning.
DG LDA informed the meeting that LDA has achieved record revenue of Rs25 billion for the first time. He also shared that 990 kanals of government land worth billions of rupees have been recovered. A digital monitoring system is being set up to keep track of LDA-controlled areas.
He also highlighted progress on digitizing property records and launching an online building plan approval system to improve efficiency.
At the same meeting, NESPAK presented a proposal for the Yellow Line Bus Service, a major upcoming public transport project in Lahore.
Separately, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott visited Zardari House and met PPP leaders Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Asifa Bhutto Zardari to discuss matters of mutual interest.
