Islamabad airport flights suspended for March 23 flypast rehearsal

Airspace closures disrupt schedules as airlines told to carry extra fuel during drills

LAHORE:

Commercial flight operations at Islamabad International Airport will be temporarily suspended on Thursday due to a scheduled flypast rehearsal for Pakistan Day celebrations on March 23, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said.

According to airport sources, rehearsal drills will take place from 10:00am to 1:00pm, during which all take-offs and landings at Islamabad airport will be halted. Flight operations are expected to remain suspended until 1:15pm.

Aircraft already in the air have been instructed to carry additional fuel as a precaution to manage potential delays caused by airspace restrictions.

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The PAA issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) confirming the temporary suspension, adding that certain air routes within the Lahore Flight Information Region will also be unavailable during the exercise. Airlines have been warned that the closures may lead to schedule disruptions.

Commercial flight operations at Karachi airport were also affected. A private airline, AirSial, held a Karachi-to-Islamabad flight at the airport due to the suspension. Airport sources said flights departing from Karachi would resume once operations at Islamabad airport are restored.

Authorities said the measures are part of preparations for the March 23 Pakistan Day flypast exercise.