Punjab restricts kite flying near airports ahead of Basant festivities

LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to prohibit kite flying in areas surrounding airports in a move aimed at safeguarding air traffic and passenger safety, officials said on Monday.

The decision comes just days before Basant celebrations, which were recently allowed under strict conditions after a 25-year ban on kite flying across the province. The festival has sparked widespread preparations, particularly in Lahore, where the provincial government has already announced a public holiday to mark the occasion.

Sources said the Punjab home department has issued formal directives to relevant authorities, ordering a complete ban on kite flying in the vicinity of airports. Officials expressed concern that kites and strings could interfere with aircraft movement or lead to serious accidents, making the restriction unavoidable.

Authorities have warned that the ban will be enforced strictly and that legal action will be taken against anyone found violating the orders.

Separately, the provincial government has approved the controlled manufacturing of kite-flying materials in selected districts. According to a notification issued by the home department, registered manufacturers in Faisalabad, Kasur, Multan and Shelikhupura, in addition to Lahore, have been permitted to produce kite-flying materials under Section 6(1) of the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act, 2025.

The notification states that the permitted materials manufactured in these districts may only be sold to registered traders or sellers approved by the Deputy Commissioner Lahore. The materials are to be used exclusively in Lahore during Basant celebrations scheduled for February 6, 7 and 8, 2026, and are not allowed to be distributed or used in any other district.