In a move to prioritize aviation safety, the Lahore district administration has imposed a ban on kite flying in areas adjacent to the Allama Iqbal International Airport during the upcoming Basant festival. The notification, issued by the Deputy Commissioner, aims to ensure uninterrupted air operations and protect passengers.
Targeted Ban for Critical Flight Paths
The order explicitly prohibits kite flying within aircraft approach and take-off paths of the airport on February 6, 7, and 8, 2026—the official dates for the Basant celebrations. This decision comes as the provincial government recently lifted a nearly two-decade ban on the festival, permitting it under strict regulatory conditions.
Regulated Festival Preparations Underway
Preparations for Basant are in full swing across Lahore. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a provincial holiday on January 6 to mark the celebrations. Simultaneously, the government has sanctioned a controlled framework for kite manufacturing.
According to a separate notification from the Home Department, the production of permissible kite-flying materials is now allowed in four districts—Faisalabad, Kasur, Multan, and Sheikhupura—alongside Lahore. This manufacturing is authorized under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act, 2025.
Strict Sales and Distribution Controls
The government has implemented stringent controls on distribution. Kite materials manufactured in the four designated districts can only be sold to registered traders or sellers authorized by the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore. These materials are strictly for use within Lahore district during the three-day festival period and are prohibited in any other district.
This balanced approach reflects an effort to revive cultural festivities while enforcing critical safety measures, particularly around vital aviation infrastructure.
