Islamabad International Airport has announced a temporary partial closure of its main runway as part of a scheduled maintenance programme aimed at enhancing operational safety and improving runway conditions.
According to the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), the maintenance work will take place over an 11-day period, from July 7 to July 17. During this time, the airport’s primary runway will remain unavailable daily between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm.
A spokesperson for the Pakistan Airports Authority said the scheduled closure is necessary to remove rubber deposits that accumulate on the runway from aircraft tyres during landings and take-offs. Over time, these deposits can reduce the runway’s surface friction, making regular cleaning and maintenance essential for safe flight operations.
The maintenance exercise is part of routine airport infrastructure management and is designed to ensure that the runway continues to meet international aviation safety standards. Authorities emphasized that the work is planned in advance to minimize disruption while maintaining the highest levels of operational safety.
Airport officials are expected to coordinate flight schedules with airlines throughout the maintenance period to reduce inconvenience for passengers. Travelers are advised to stay in contact with their respective airlines and check the latest flight status before heading to the airport, as some departures or arrivals may be adjusted during the daily closure window.
The Pakistan Airports Authority routinely carries out preventive maintenance at airports across the country to maintain safe and efficient aviation infrastructure. Runway surface maintenance, including the removal of tyre rubber deposits, is a standard procedure at major international airports worldwide and helps improve braking performance during aircraft landings.
Passengers planning to travel through Islamabad International Airport between July 7 and July 17 should remain informed about any schedule changes issued by their airlines. While airport operations are expected to continue, temporary adjustments may be made to accommodate the maintenance work.
The scheduled runway maintenance reflects ongoing efforts by aviation authorities to prioritize passenger safety and ensure that airport facilities remain in optimal condition for domestic and international flight operations.
