Social media and several news outlets were buzzing with reports that Islamabad International Airport would be shut down for 8 days. However, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has clarified that this information is completely false and misleading.

According to a statement issued by PAA Spokesperson Saifullah Khan, only short flight suspensions will happen on specific dates and times.

The closures are due to planned air activities for Independence Day celebrations on August 14. Flights will be paused daily from 11am to 1pm between August 6-9 and August 11-14. Additionally, on August 9 and 11, flights will also be suspended from 8pm to 10pm.

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The spokesperson stressed that these are just short-term interruptions and all other flights will operate as usual. Passengers are advised to confirm flight timings with their airlines to avoid inconvenience.

This year’s Independence Day is being celebrated under the theme “Marka-e-Haq” (Battle of Truth), highlighting the recent conflict with India in May.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has urged all universities, schools, and provincial bodies to mark the day with coordinated celebrations, including efforts by overseas missions.

During the conflict in May, major airports, including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Sialkot, faced significant disruptions. Hundreds of travelers were stranded, and the PAA suffered heavy losses.

The Ministry of Defence revealed that the authority lost Rs4.1 billion from April 24 to June 30 due to airport closures. Meanwhile, a separate update was also issued for Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, which will face a daily runway closure from 5am to 8am due to increased bird activity. This will last from July 1 to September 15.