Lahore airport imposes daily runway closures to reduce bird strike risk

Pakistan's aviation authorities will close both runways at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport for three hours each morning from July 5 to September 15 as a precaution against heightened bird activity during the monsoon season.

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said on Wednesday (July 1) that the temporary daily closure, from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m., is intended to reduce the risk of bird strikes, which typically increases during the monsoon, particularly at lower altitudes, Caliber.Az reports per Pakistani media.

"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 heightened caution during the aircraft’s approach and departure," the authority said.

The PAA said airlines had also been instructed to ensure aircraft carry sufficient fuel to account for possible delays.

"It added that airlines had also been advised to carry adequate fuel for any anticipated ground or airborne holding."

"As part of these precautionary safety measures, both runways [of the Lahore airport] will remain unavailable daily from 5 am to 8 am, from July 5 to September 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 would be made available for landing.

The authority said a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) had been issued to inform airlines and flight operators of the temporary operational changes.

The PAA said it would maintain the "highest standards of aviation safety while minimising inconvenience to passengers and airline operators".

The runway restrictions coincide with the start of Pakistan's annual monsoon season. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast a fresh spell of monsoon rains from the first week of July, with rainfall expected in Lahore between July 1 and July 6.

By Aghakazim Guliyev