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Will Pakistan's Islamabad international airport be shut for 8 days? Authority clarifies
The media reports came ahead of the country's Independence Day, when fighter jets take to the skies to rehearse for the flypast
- PUBLISHED: Sun 10 Aug 2025, 12:23 PM
Pakistan's aviation authority denied reports claiming Islamabad's international airport will be shut for a period of eight days during the Independence Day celebrations.
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) clarified that the flight pause will only be in effect for short intervals on specific days to let Pakistan Air Force fighter (PAF) jets rehearse for the Independence Day flypast, which falls on August 14.
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The move is to ensure traffic safety during the period, with each window expected to last for about two hours. Here are the timings the airport is expected to be closed during:
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From August 6–9 and August 11–14, civilian arrivals and departures will be suspended from 11am to 1pm local time.
Meanwhile, from August 11 to 13, these arrival and departures will be closed from 8pm to 10pm.
During this window, fighter jets will use the capital’s airspace, and civilian aircraft will not be able to land or take off at Islamabad.
The NOTAM issued an advisory for airlines and pilots to exercise caution during the rehearsals. Apart from the mentioned timings, flights will operate as usual.
Passengers have been advised to check with their airline before leaving for the airport, to ensure no delays.
