PAA mandates advance notice for Kabul flights

Due to unavailability of air traffic services in Kabul, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA)—formerly the Civil Aviation Authority--has issued a new Notice to Airmen (Notam), making it obligatory for the flights coming from Kabul to Pakistan to provide advance notice.

Pilots coming from Kabul Airport are required to notify 15 minutes before entering the Flight Information Region of Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad.

The Notam also states that flights from Pakistan to Kabul will receive air traffic services from the Dushanbe Flight Area Control Center. All airline captains have been instructed to strictly comply with this Notam, which is effective until November 21 of this year.

The PAA has also issued guidelines in anticipation of possible monsoon rains, including securing small aircraft, ensuring the presence of follow-me vehicles on runways, and the additional deployment of bird shooters.

According to a memo issued by the PAA's Airside Division, the Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall across the country from August 26 to 29, 2024.

Relevant departments have been instructed to take necessary precautions at airports to prevent any untoward incidents. During the monsoon rains, precautionary measures should be taken at Karachi's Jinnah Terminal and other airports.

"Lightweight aircraft should be parked in secure locations, safety facilities should be made available without delay, and safe flight operations should be ensured during the rains."

The issued guidelines state that follow-me vehicles must patrol the runway and tarmac 24/7.

Additional bird shooters should be deployed in the funnel area (the takeoff and landing zone of aircraft) during the rains, and after the rains, all necessary measures should be taken, including spraying insecticides to control insects and pests.