Lahore airport to close runways for three hours daily over bird strike risk

One of Pakistan's busiest international airports, Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport, will close both of its runways for three hours each day over a 70-day period, from July 5 to September 15, as a precaution against increased bird activity during the monsoon season.

According to Pakistan's Airports Authority (PAA), the runways will be unavailable daily from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., when bird activity reaches its peak. However, the runways will remain available for emergency landings if necessary.

The authority noted that bird activity in and around the airport, particularly below an altitude of 3,000 feet, increases significantly during the monsoon season. Pilots have therefore been advised to exercise extra caution during takeoffs and landings.

Airlines have also been instructed to carry sufficient fuel to accommodate any anticipated ground or airborne delays.

The PAA emphasized that scheduled commercial flights will continue to operate outside the temporary closure period.

Pakistan's new monsoon season is expected to begin in the first week of July. According to the country's Meteorological Department, rainfall is forecast in Lahore from July 1 to July 6.