Lahore Airport Bans Kite Flying to Safeguard Aircraft Operations During Basant.

The Punjab Home Department has issued a strict ban on kite flying in areas surrounding Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore. This directive is a critical measure to ensure aviation safety during the Basant festival. The ban specifically targets the take-off and landing paths of aircraft. This is the most critical phase of flight for all air operations.

The prohibition was issued by the Deputy Commissioner Lahore. It followed cabinet approval and key recommendations from the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA). The PAA had previously issued an alert, known as a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). This alert warned pilots of intense kite flying expected in the airspace during Basant festivities.

Restricted Flight Zones

The new notification completely prohibits kite flying within the designated restricted flight zones for the airport. These areas fall directly under the aircraft approach and take-off paths. The ban is enforced under Section 6(1) of the Punjab Kite Flying Act 2025.

• Landing Corridors: Prohibited areas for aircraft landing include Nadraabad, Gulshan Ali Colony, Nishtar Colony, and Bhutta Chowk.
• DHA Blocks: Specific blocks in Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Lahore, including P, Q, R, and S, are also under the ban.
• Take-off Corridors: Take-off routes are restricted over Al-Faisal Town, Jora Pul, areas adjacent to Tajpura along Canal Bank Road, and Tajpura.

Aviation Safety Concerns

The primary concern for the Pakistan Airports Authority is the risk of foreign object damage (FOD). Kites, especially those flown using metallic kite string risk or glass-coated thread, pose a serious accident risk.

Kite strings can become entangled in an aircraft’s propellers. They can also be ingested into jet engines. This interference can lead to engine failure or significant damage. Such incidents are particularly dangerous during the low-altitude aircraft take-off and landing phases. The ban ensures the smooth and secure movement of commercial aircraft.

Context of the Basant Festival

The Basant festival, a traditional spring celebration, was recently allowed to resume in Lahore. This followed a nearly two-decade ban due to safety concerns and fatalities. The government’s decision to revive the festival is highly regulated. It includes strict conditions on the type of kite materials allowed.

This airport-specific prohibition is part of the broader effort. It aims to balance cultural festivities with public safety and uninterrupted air operations. Authorities have warned that the ban will be strictly enforced. Legal action will be taken against all violators. The Punjab Home Department is prioritizing safety for all aviation stakeholders.

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