The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Thursday issued an alert warning pilots about intense kite flying in the airspace around Lahore airport during Basant festivities, citing potential risks to aircraft operations.
After years of silence in the winter skies of Lahore, Basant will return, cautiously and strictly regulated, as the Punjab government prepares to revive a festival that was once synonymous with colour, rooftops and spring renewal, but was long overshadowed by tragedy and controversy.
Punjab has granted special permission for Basant celebrations from February 6 to 8, restricting the festival exclusively to Lahore under a comprehensive set of legal, administrative and security measures aimed at preventing deaths that had previously led to its ban.
In a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), the authority said that intense kite flying is expected in Lahore, particularly during the take-off and landing phases of low-altitude aircraft.
“Due to Basant celebrations, pilots are advised to take extra caution during approach and takeoff,” the NOTAM said.
According to the alert, the warning will remain in effect from midnight Thursday until midnight February 8.
Traditionally celebrated on the fifth day of the month of Magh in late January or early February, Basant marks the arrival of spring and has historically been celebrated throughout Punjab, including India and among Punjabi diaspora communities, with kite flying at the center of the festivities.
However, in Pakistan’s Punjab, the festival acquired a darker reputation in the early 2000s, when celebratory gunshots, glass-covered ropes, metal cables and rooftop accidents led to numerous deaths, leading authorities to impose a blanket ban in 2007.
Also read: Punjab bans kites with religious and political images ahead of Basant
This year’s resurgence follows the enactment of the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, which formally reopened Basant’s gates while imposing 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 the limits of Lahore district and only during the designated three days, while enforcement of the law in other parts of Punjab will remain absolute.
Read more: Maryam Nawaz urges public to celebrate Basant safely
The rules impose a complete ban on nylon, plastic, chemical-coated and glass threads, wires and metal spools, allowing only cotton threads wound into round “auricle” shapes, each of which carries a QR code to ensure traceability and regulatory oversight.
Strict limits have also been imposed on the size of kites, with ‘patang’ and ‘guda’ dimensions clearly defined, and violations are punishable under the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance, which carries imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to Rs 2 million.
The Punjab government has also announced to provide free public transport during the Basant festival.
In preparation for the upcoming Basant festival, historic rooftops in central Lahore have been reserved for kite flying for charges ranging from Rs 2.1 million to around Rs 5.5 million.
Only spacious, structurally sound rooftops have been approved for kite flying. These roofs are decorated with vibrant basant colors, while the walls feature yellow paint, floral designs and complete arrangements for entertaining guests.
Read this: PMD predicts pleasant weather for Lahore during Basant celebrations
Extensive food and beverage arrangements have been made for both locals and visitors from other cities and abroad.
Separate day and evening menus have been prepared, with a wide variety of dishes including barbecue, roast, malai boti, pak gosht, mutton tikka, phutore, ladoos, hareesa, fish as well as fruits and dry fruits to suit guests’ preferences.
