LAHORE: Lahore Airport will undergo a temporary closure for three hours daily during the monsoon season due to heightened risks of bird strikes, it was reported on Sunday.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced that both runways would be closed from 5 AM to 8 AM starting July 10 through September 10.
This preventive step is aimed at ensuring the safety of aircraft and passengers, as bird activity significantly increases around the airport during the early morning hours in monsoon.
The CAA has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to inform both domestic and international airlines, which are advised to adjust their flight schedules accordingly. However, the runways will remain available for emergency landings if necessary.
In related news, the CAA also announced the closure of the Dera Ismail Khan (DI) Khan airport route for six months. According to the NOTAM, Route No J-183 between Dera Ismail Khan and Islamabad will be closed until December 31, 2024. This decision has been communicated to the Air Traffic Control.
These decisions follow recent controversies involving the Civil Aviation Authority’s plans to outsource operations at Pakistan airports, which have been met with substantial resistance from Employee Unions.
