By ABDULLAH 
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has confirmed that Islamabad International Airport will experience short, scheduled suspensions in flight operations on select days in August 2025 to facilitate Pakistan Air Force (PAF) rehearsals for the 77th Independence Day celebrations. Officials have dismissed rumours of an eight-day shutdown, clarifying that flight operations will only be paused for a few hours at a time.
According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the airport will be closed to civilian air traffic during the following periods:
- August 6–9 and August 11–14: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM – daily suspension for parade and flypast rehearsals.
- August 11–13: 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM – additional evening closures for practice sessions.
During these intervals, the capital’s airspace will be reserved for PAF fighter jets and other ceremonial aircraft participating in the Independence Day parade.
The CAA stated that the closures are part of logistical and security arrangements for the national celebrations, ensuring safe and uninterrupted air rehearsals. The practice flypasts involve coordinated military manoeuvres, requiring complete civilian airspace clearance.
While the pauses are limited to two-hour windows, passengers are strongly advised to:
- Check flight schedules with their airlines before travelling.
- Arrive at the airport earlier if their flights are near closure hours.
- Stay updated through airline notifications and official advisories.
Airlines have been directed not to schedule flights during these restricted periods and to update timetables accordingly.
A PAA spokesperson emphasised that outside the announced time slots, all domestic and international flights will operate as normal. The authority aims to minimise disruption for travellers while maintaining the security and ceremonial protocols of the Independence Day event.
The PAA has categorically rejected claims circulating on social media that the airport will remain closed for eight consecutive days. These reports were labelled “false and misleading”, with officials stressing that the measures are temporary and routine for national events of this scale.