By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Sunday refuted media reports claiming an eight-day closure of Islamabad International Airport, describing them as “incorrect and misleading,” and clarified that the airport will only face brief suspensions due to Independence Day activities.
“According to the Notams issued, due to air activities ahead of Independence Day on August 14, arrival and departure flights will be suspended for only two hours on specific days and times,” PAA Spokesperson Saifullah Khan said in a statement,
The PAA specified that from August 6 to 9 and August 11 to 14, Islamabad International Airport will be closed daily from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm PST. Additionally, on August 9 and 11, the airport will also be shut from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm PST.
“Apart from these brief interruptions, all flights at the airport will continue as usual,” the statement added, urging passengers to contact their airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules.
The temporary closures are linked to preparations for Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations on August 14, which the government has announced will be held under the theme “Marka-i-Haq” (Battle of Truth). The theme reflects the four-day conflict with India in May, emphasizing the nation’s resilience, progress, and pride.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, while outlining the planned celebrations, emphasized the importance of uniformity in commemorating the day. He directed that all universities, schools, provincial authorities, and overseas missions, in collaboration with the Overseas Ministry, observe the celebrations in the same format.
The May conflict with India caused significant disruptions to air travel, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at major airports, including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Sialkot. On Friday, the Ministry of Defence informed the National Assembly that the PAA incurred losses of Rs4.1 billion between April 24 and June 30 due to the closures prompted by the conflict.
In a separate development, the PAA also announced a temporary runway closure at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport due to bird activity. The runway will be closed daily from 5:00 am to 8:00 am, from July 1 to September 15.
The PAA’s clarification comes as authorities work to manage public expectations and ensure smooth operations at the country’s key aviation hubs ahead of the national holiday.
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