Web desk: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has rejected claims that Islamabad International Airport will be closed for eight days, clarifying that the reports are baseless.
Officials explained that flight operations will only be halted for short periods on certain dates to allow Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jets to rehearse for the Independence Day flypast.
These pauses, each lasting around two hours, are intended to maintain air traffic safety during the practice sessions.
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the PAA provides the exact timings for the restrictions. Civil flights will not operate between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm from August 6 to 9, and again from August 11 to 14.
There will also be an evening closure from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm on August 11–13.
Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) by Pakistan Airports Authority
| Dates | Time Slot | Activity & Impact |
|---|---|---|
| August 6–9 | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm | Civilian flights suspended; PAF jets rehearsing in Islamabad airspace |
| August 11–14 | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm | Civilian flights suspended; PAF jets rehearsing in Islamabad airspace |
| August 11–13 | 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Civilian flights suspended; PAF jets rehearsing in Islamabad airspace |
During these slots, PAF jets will be using the capital’s airspace, and no civilian landings or departures will be permitted.
Airlines and pilots have been asked to remain cautious during these hours.
The authority stressed that flight schedules outside these timeframes will remain unaffected.
Passengers have been advised to confirm their departure times with airlines before heading to the airport to avoid inconvenience.
Previously, a rehearsal for the August 14 flypast took place over Islamabad as part of the preparations for Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations.
Officials said the exercise is a routine part of military drills to ensure smooth proceedings on the day of the event, and there is no reason for concern.
Residents had noticed increased aircraft activity and noise over the city during the rehearsal, but authorities have assured the public that everything is under control.
This year’s Independence Day is set to be marked with even greater enthusiasm than usual.
Before this, the Sindh Chief Minister, Murad Ali Shah, announced that this year’s Independence Day will be celebrated under the theme Marka-e-Haq.
Addressing a press conference with ministers Sharjeel Memon and Nasir Hussain Shah, the CM said Pakistan has achieved a historic victory, which deserves to be celebrated nationwide.
Rather than limiting the festivities to 14 August, events will start on August 1 and continue for two weeks. Both federal and provincial governments will work together to organise the celebrations.
“We celebrate August 14 every year,” Murad said, “but this time it must also reflect our recent success. People need to understand the true value of freedom.”
This year’s Independence Day aims to be more than a single-day celebration; it will be a nationwide display of unity, pride, and renewed spirit.
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