PAA issues kite-flying alert for Lahore airport during Basant festivities

The warning will remain in force from midnight tonight through February 8

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Thursday issued an alert warning pilots of intense kite flying in the airspace around Lahore airport during Basant festivities, citing potential risks to aircraft operations.

After years of silence in Lahore's winter skies, Basant is set to return, cautiously and tightly regulated, as the Punjab government prepares to revive a festival once synonymous with colour, rooftops and springtime renewal, yet long shadowed by tragedy and controversy.

Punjab has granted special permission for Basant celebrations from Feb 6 to 8, restricting the festival exclusively to Lahore under a comprehensive set of legal, administrative and safety measures aimed at preventing the fatalities that had earlier prompted its ban.

In a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), the authority said heavy kite flying is expected in Lahore, particularly during aircraft take-off and landing phases at low altitude.

“Due to Basant celebrations, pilots are advised to exercise extra caution during approach and take-off,” the NOTAM said.

According to the alert, the warning will remain in effect from midnight on Thursday until midnight on February 8.

Basant, traditionally observed on the fifth day of the month of Magh in late January or early February, marks the arrival of spring and has historically been celebrated across Punjab, including in India and among Punjabi diaspora communities, with kite flying at the heart of the festivities.

In Pakistan's Punjab, however, the festival acquired a darker reputation during the early 2000s, as celebratory gunfire, glass-coated strings, metallic wires and rooftop accidents resulted in numerous deaths, prompting authorities to impose a blanket ban in 2007.

Also Read: Punjab prohibits kites with religious, political imagery ahead of Basant

This year's revival follows the promulgation of the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, which formally reopened the door for Basant while placing unprecedented restrictions on every aspect of the festival, from kite dimensions and string material to sound systems and rooftop access.

Under official notifications issued by the Lahore district administration on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, kite flying will be permitted only within Lahore's district limits and only during the three designated days, with enforcement elsewhere in Punjab remaining absolute.

Read More: Maryam Nawaz urges public to celebrate Basant safely

The rules impose a complete ban on nylon, plastic, chemical-coated and glass-coated strings, metallic wire and spools, permitting only cotton string wound into round 'pinna' forms, each carrying a QR code to ensure traceability and regulatory oversight.

Strict limits have also been placed on kite sizes, with 'patang' and 'guda' dimensions clearly defined, and violations punishable under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance, carrying prison terms of up to five years and fines reaching Rs2 million.

The Punjab government has also announced it would provide free public transport facilities during the Basant festival.

In preparation for the upcoming Basant festival, historic rooftops in central Lahore have been booked for kite flying against charges ranging from Rs2.1 million to around Rs5.5m.

Only spacious and structurally sound rooftops have been approved for kite flying. These rooftops, decorated in vibrant Basant colours, while wall wear yellow paint, floral designs, and full arrangements for hosting guests.

Read This: PMD predicts pleasant weather for Lahore during Basant celebrations

Extensive arrangements of food and beverages have been made for locals as well as visitors, coming from other cities and abroad.

Separate menus have been prepared for day and night, featuring a wide variety of dishes including barbecue, broast, malai boti, pak gosht, mutton tikka, phutore, ladoos, hareesa, fish, as well as fruits and dry fruits to cater to the guests’ preferences.