Bird issue during monsoon leads to three-hour closure of Lahore airport

A meeting was held on Thursday at which it was decided to close Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport for three hours in the morning, from July 1 to September 15, in view of the presence of birds around the airport during the monsoon season, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

It was decided that the airport would remain closed for the flight operation from 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM.  

In this connection, all airlines were directed to change the schedule of their flights, keeping in view the aircraft parking and as per the administration lounge’s capacity. 

The issue of birds hampering the flight operation at the Lahore airport has been making headlines for the last several months. 

Three weeks ago, on June 1, 24News TV channel reported that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight narrowly escaped an accident after it was hit by a bird at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport while landing. 

According to sources, PIA flight PK-304, coming from Karachi to Lahore, with 200 passengers on board, was struck by a bird. 

An aviation official said that no bird repellent system has been installed at any airport across the country to protect planes from bird hits. 

Airlines have to bear losses of millions of rupees every year due to the bird strikes which can also cause major accidents. 

Reporter: Saeed Ahmad Saeed