The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has dismissed claims that Islamabad International Airport will be closed for eight consecutive days in August, clarifying that only limited flight suspensions will be in place to facilitate rehearsals for the country’s Independence Day flypast.
In a statement on Saturday, the PAA said civilian flight operations will be paused for short intervals on select days to allow Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jets to conduct practice runs for the August 14 celebrations. The restrictions, aimed at ensuring the safety of both military and civilian air traffic, will see the airport closed in two-hour windows rather than for extended periods.
According to the authority, from August 6 to 9 and August 11 to 14, all civilian arrivals and departures will be halted between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm local time. In addition, from August 11 to 13, there will be evening suspensions from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
During these windows, the capital’s airspace will be reserved exclusively for PAF fighter jets as they rehearse precision manoeuvres for the annual Independence Day airshow. Outside of these scheduled closures, all commercial flights will operate as normal.
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued, advising airlines and pilots to take extra caution during the rehearsal period and to adjust schedules accordingly. The advisory also notes that any delays during these specific timeframes will be due to the military exercises and not airport operational issues.
The PAA urged passengers to confirm departure and arrival times with their airlines before travelling to the airport in order to avoid inconvenience. “Our top priority is the safety of all airspace users during this period of national significance,” the statement read.
Independence Day flypasts are a longstanding tradition in Pakistan, with the PAF showcasing a variety of fighter jets and aerial displays over the capital to mark the August 14 holiday. The rehearsals are typically conducted in the days leading up to the event, requiring temporary restrictions on commercial air traffic in and out of Islamabad.
The clarification comes after unverified reports circulated online suggesting that the airport would be closed for eight straight days, sparking concern among passengers and airlines alike. Officials stressed that these claims were “misleading” and reiterated that disruptions would be minimal and scheduled well in advance.
By controlling the airspace during practice sessions, authorities aim to prevent any potential conflicts between high-speed military aircraft and civilian flights — a precautionary measure common during large-scale aerial events.
