The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has pushed back against widespread rumours claiming Islamabad International Airport will be shut down for eight consecutive days. Officials say the claims are “misleading” and that commercial flights will only be paused for brief periods on specific dates.
The temporary halts are part of preparations for Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations, when Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets will rehearse their ceremonial flypast over the capital. “These intervals are necessary for safety reasons when fighter aircraft are in the airspace,” a PAA spokesperson explained.
Two-Hour Windows, Not Full-Day Shutdowns
According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the authority, flights will be grounded from 11:00am to 1:00pm between August 6–9 and August 11–14.
An additional evening slot—8:00pm to 10:00pm—will apply on August 11–13.
Outside these exact time frames, both arrivals and departures will operate normally. Airlines have been advised to coordinate closely with passengers, and travellers are urged to confirm schedules before heading to the airport.
Why This Matters for Travellers
While the disruptions are short, they could still cause cascading delays for connecting flights, especially on busy travel days leading up to Independence Day. Aviation experts note that such rehearsals are routine but can be more noticeable when held in major cities.
The PAA’s message is clear: Islamabad’s airport isn’t closing for a week—just expect a few short, planned pauses in the run-up to August 14.
