The main runway at Islamabad International Airport will remain closed for five hours every day from July 7 to July 17 for scheduled maintenance, according to reports on Tuesday.
Airport authorities said that the runway will be closed daily from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. During this time, the workers will remove rubber marks left by aircraft tyres to help maintain runway safety.
The main runway will not be available for the flights that will operate during these hours. However, flights will continue to operate using the airport’s alternate runway. This way, the arrivals and departures will continue without a complete suspension of services.
Officials said the temporary closure is part of routine maintenance to make sure that the runway remains safe for aircraft operations.
Earlier, the Pakistan Aviation Authority (PAA) launched the post Hajj flight operation after the first flight carrying returning pilgrims arrived at Islamabad International Airport.
According to the PAA, flight PK-742 landed at 7:15 PM with 165 pilgrims. This marked the start of the post Hajj return operation. The authority said that the operation will continue until June 30.
On June 1, Islamabad Airport was scheduled to receive five Hajj flights. Karachi and Lahore were each set to receive four. Three flights were planned for Multan and Sialkot, two for Faisalabad, and one for Quetta.
Under the government Hajj scheme, around 119,000 pilgrims were expected to return to Pakistan on 471 flights during the post Hajj operation.
Aik opens Shariah-based digital payment facility
Previously, Pakistan’s first Islamic digital bank, Aik, introduced a fully digital, Shariah compliant payment system at Islamabad International Airport.
Aik said that it has enabled merchants across the airport to accept digital payments. QR code payment systems have also been installed at key locations.
This will let the passengers and visitors make secure and Shariah compliant payments at counters, shops, and other service points.
The bank said the system follows the rules set by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
