Islamabad Airport Radar Services Suspended For Eight Hours
ISLAMABAD: Radar services at Islamabad International Airport were suspended on Monday for an eight-hour maintenance window, with aviation authorities shifting operational coverage to Lahore Airport to keep domestic and international flight movement under control.
According to the report, the radar system at the federal capital’s airport was taken offline from 10:00am to 6:00pm as part of scheduled maintenance. The suspension affected radar handling for flights operating to and from Islamabad, although alternative arrangements were put in place to manage air traffic during the period.
Sources said Lahore Airport was assigned responsibility for providing radar services to aircraft linked with Islamabad while the maintenance work continued. The arrangement was intended to ensure that airlines, pilots and air traffic controllers could maintain coordination despite the temporary shutdown of the local radar system.
Officials familiar with the matter said the work was planned and did not indicate a sudden emergency at the airport. Aviation maintenance of this nature is normally carried out to keep surveillance systems functional, reliable and compliant with safety requirements for high-volume passenger and cargo operations.
The development comes at a time when Islamabad International Airport is also preparing to expand passenger facilitation through a premium meet-and-assist service. Authorities have described that initiative as a fully digital, pre-booked system designed to support travellers who require faster movement and guided assistance through the airport.
Under the proposed facilitation service, passengers would be required to book at least six hours before arrival or departure. Officials have said it would be open to senior citizens, business travellers, diplomats and other passengers seeking additional support, including assistance from home pick-up to airport drop-off.
The service is expected to include fast-track boarding and immigration support, CIP lounge access, premium assistance, buggy transport and wheelchair support where needed. However, officials have clarified that passport and travel document handling would not be included under the service rules.
For passengers using Islamabad airport on Monday, the main concern remained whether the radar maintenance window could cause delays, altered sequencing or changes in flight handling. Travellers were expected to stay in contact with their airlines for the latest updates, particularly those scheduled during the 10:00am to 6:00pm period.
The suspension also highlights the importance of backup systems and inter-airport coordination in Pakistan’s aviation network. When a major airport undergoes technical maintenance, safe continuity depends on timely communication between control centres, airlines, ground staff and airport management.
The next step will be the completion of maintenance work and restoration of Islamabad’s radar services after the scheduled window. Aviation authorities will be expected to monitor flight movement closely until normal operations resume and ensure that any disruption to passengers remains limited.