The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Sunday rejected what it termed “incorrect and misleading” media reports about an alleged eight-day closure of Islamabad International Airport, clarifying that only brief, scheduled shutdowns are planned.
In a statement, PAA Spokesperson Saifullah Khan explained that Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) had been issued for temporary flight suspensions due to aerial activities in preparation for Independence Day on August 14. Arrivals and departures will be halted from August 6–9 and August 11–14 between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. (PST).
On August 9 and 11, additional suspensions will occur from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Outside these specified times, normal flight operations will continue. Passengers have been advised to confirm schedules directly with their airlines.
The government announced that this year’s Independence Day will be marked under the theme “Marka-i-Haq” (Battle of Truth), commemorating the May conflict with India. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has directed uniform observance across educational institutions, provincial events, and overseas celebrations.
The Defence Ministry reported that PAA incurred losses of Rs4.1 billion between April 24 and June 30 due to earlier closures. Separately, PAA has scheduled daily runway closures at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., July 1 to September 15, to mitigate bird hazards.
