Lahore Airport to undergo daily closure over threat of bird strike
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
has announced the temporary daily closure of Lahore’s Allama Iqbal
International Airport from 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM, effective July 1 through
September 15, 2025. The measure aims to mitigate the increased risk of bird
strikes during the monsoon season.
The decision was taken during a
high-level meeting on Thursday, prompted by a recent surge in bird strike
incidents, including a near-miss involving Pakistan International Airlines
(PIA) flight PK-304 from Karachi. The aircraft, carrying 200 passengers, struck
a bird while landing but avoided major damage.
Read More AirSial flight makes emergency landing at Lahore Airport after bird strike
All domestic and international carriers have been instructed to revise their flight schedules accordingly, taking into account check-in procedures, aircraft parking, and passenger lounge capacity to ensure minimal disruption.
The CAA has urged full cooperation
from airlines to facilitate a smooth operational transition and prioritize
passenger and flight safety.
Officials also highlighted the
absence of bird repellent systems at airports across Pakistan, noting that bird
strikes pose a recurring threat to aviation safety and result in significant
financial losses to airlines annually.
The CAA’s precautionary closure
reflects growing concern over monsoon-related hazards and underscores the need
for long-term investments in bird control and aviation safety infrastructure.
Source: The Nation