The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Thursday issued an alert warning pilots of heavy kite flying in the airspace around the Lahore airport during the Basant festivities, citing potential risks to flight operations.
After years of silence in the winter skies of Lahore, Basant is poised to return, carefully and tightly regulated, as the Punjab government prepares to revive a festival once synonymous with color, rooftops and spring renewal, but 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 as part of a comprehensive set of legal, administrative and security measures aimed at avoiding the deaths that had previously prompted its ban.
In a notice to aviators (NOTAM), the authority said that intense kite flying is expected in Lahore, especially during the take-off and landing phases of low-altitude aircraft.
“Due to Basant celebrations, pilots are advised to exercise increased 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.
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 throughout Punjab, including in India and among Punjabi diaspora communities, with kite flying at the heart of the festivities.
In Punjab, Pakistan, however, the festival gained a darker reputation in the early 2000s, as celebratory gunfire, glass-covered ropes, metal wires and rooftop accidents left many dead, prompting authorities to impose a blanket ban in 2007.
Read also: Punjab bans kites with religious and political images ahead of Basant
This year’s revival follows the promulgation of the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, which officially reopened the gate to Basant while imposing unprecedented restrictions on all aspects of the festival, from kite dimensions and string material to sound systems and rooftop access.
As per official notifications issued by the Lahore district administration on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, flying of kites will be permitted only within the limits of Lahore district and only during the designated three days, with enforcement elsewhere in Punjab remaining absolute.
Learn more: Maryam Nawaz urges public to celebrate Basant safely
The rules impose a total ban on nylon, plastic, chemical-coated and glass twine, metal wire and spools, allowing only cotton twine wound into the shape of a round “flag”, each with a QR code to ensure traceability and regulatory oversight.
Strict limits were also imposed on the size of kites, with ‘patang’ and ‘guda’ dimensions clearly defined, and violations punishable under the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance, punishable by jail terms of up to five years and fines of up to Rs 2 million.
The Punjab government 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 earmarked for kite flying for fees ranging from Rs 2.1 million to around Rs 5.5 million.
Only spacious, structurally sound roofs have been approved for kite flying. These roofs, decorated in vibrant Basant colors, while the walls bear yellow paint, floral designs and full arrangements to welcome guests.
Read this: PMD predicts pleasant weather for Lahore during Basant celebrations
Extensive food and beverage arrangements have been made for locals as well as visitors from other cities and abroad.
Separate menus have been prepared for day and night, comprising a wide variety of dishes including barbecue, roti, malai boti, pak gosht, mutton tikka, phutore, ladoos, hareesa, fish, as well as fruits and dry fruits to suit guests’ preferences.
