The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Thursday issued an alert warning pilots of intense kite flying in the airspace around Lahore airport during the Basant celebrations, citing potential risks to flight operations.
After years of silence in Lahore’s winter skies, Basant is poised to return, cautiously and tightly regulated, as the Punjab government prepares to revive a festival once synonymous with colour, rooftops and spring renewal, yet long overshadowed by tragedy and controversy.
Punjab has granted special permission for Basant celebrations from February 6 to 8, restricting the festival to Lahore only under a comprehensive set of legal, administrative and security measures aimed at preventing the fatalities that had previously prompted its ban.
In a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), authorities said heavy hang-gliding is expected in Lahore, especially during the aircraft’s low-altitude take-off and landing phases.
“Due to the Basant celebrations, pilots are advised to exercise extra caution during approach and take-off,” the NOTAM said.
According to the warning, the warning will remain in effect from midnight on Thursday until midnight on February 8.
Basant, traditionally observed on the fifth day of the month of Magh in late January or early February, marks the arrival of spring and has historically been celebrated across Punjab, including in India and among Punjabi diaspora communities, with kite flying at the heart of the festivities.
In Pakistan’s Punjab, however, the festival gained a darker reputation in the early 2000s, when celebratory gunfire, glass-covered strings, metallic wires and roof accidents resulted in several deaths, prompting authorities to impose a blanket ban in 2007.
Read also: Punjab bans kites with religious, political images in front of Basant
This year’s revival follows the promulgation of the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, which formally reopened the door to Basant, while placing unprecedented restrictions on all aspects of the festival, from kite dimensions and string material to sound systems and rooftop access.
According to official notifications issued by the Lahore district administration on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, kite flying will be allowed only within Lahore’s district limits and only during the three designated days, while enforcement elsewhere in Punjab will remain absolute.
Read more: Maryam Nawaz urges the public to celebrate Basant safely
The rules impose a complete ban on nylon, plastic, chemical-coated and glass-coated strings, metallic thread and bobbins, and only allow cotton strings wound into round ‘pinna’ shapes, each bearing a QR code to ensure traceability and regulatory oversight.
Strict restrictions have also been placed on kite sizes, with ‘patang’ and ‘guda’ dimensions clearly defined, and offenses punishable under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance, with jail terms of up to five years and fines of Rs2 million.
The Punjab government has also announced that it will provide free public transport facilities during the Basant festival.
In preparation for the upcoming Basant festival, historic rooftops in central Lahore have been reserved for kite flying at fees ranging from Rs2.1 million to around Rs5.5m.
Only spacious and structurally sound rooftops have been approved for kite flying. These rooftops, decorated in vibrant Basant colors while the wall bears yellow paint, floral designs and complete arrangements to host guests.
Read this: PMD predicts pleasant weather for Lahore during Basant celebrations
Extensive arrangements of food and drinks have been made for locals as well as visitors coming from other cities and abroad.
Separate menus have been prepared for day and night, with a wide variety of dishes including barbeque, broast, malai boti, pak gosht, mutton tikka, phutore, ladoos, hareesa, fish, as well as fruits and dry fruits to cater to guests’ preferences.
