Both runways at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport will shut for three hours every day for 70 days from July 5 to September 15 as authorities move to guard against a seasonal spike in bird activity during Pakistan's monsoon, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said, according to a report by Dawn published Wednesday.

The daily closure will run from 5:00am to 8:00am local time, covering the hours when bird strikes are considered most likely. Scheduled commercial flights will operate as normal outside this window, and the runway will be made available for emergency landings if required, the PAA said, according to Dawn.

Bird activity around the airport, especially below 3,000 feet, rises sharply during the monsoon months, and pilots have been told to use extra caution while approaching and departing the airport, the authority said, according to Dawn. Airlines have also been instructed to carry sufficient fuel to cover possible ground or airborne holding delays caused by the restrictions.

A Notice to Airmen, or NOTAM, has been issued to formalise the closures for pilots and operators.

The PAA said it aims to uphold aviation safety while limiting disruption to passengers and airlines during the seasonal restrictions.

The closures coincide with the onset of a fresh monsoon spell expected across Pakistan from early July, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasting rain in Lahore between July 1 and July 6.

Bird strikes remain a recurring safety concern for airports across South Asia during the monsoon, when standing water and vegetation growth near runways draw large numbers of birds, increasing collision risks during takeoff and landing.