FIA says congestion at airports caused by various factors
The Federal
Investigation Agency (FIA) has clarified concerns raised by a viral social
media video showing passenger congestion at Islamabad International Airport,
stating that the situation should not be misconstrued as inefficiency on the
part of immigration staff.
According to the FIA, congestion is primarily
caused by factors outside immigration control, including adverse weather
conditions, technical disruptions, and airline operational delays. The airport
manages approximately 10,000 international passengers daily across nearly 94
flights.
On January 13, 2026, immigration authorities
processed around 2,400 passengers within a single hour—an average of four
passengers per minute per counter—highlighting the efficiency and
professionalism of FIA immigration personnel during peak periods.
Read More FIA
clarifies no passengers with valid documents being stopped at airports
The FIA currently operates a three-shift
system, with 15 immigration counters at departures and 13 at arrivals, and
works in close coordination with the Pakistan
Airports Authority (PAA) to facilitate smooth passenger movement.
As part of ongoing improvements, Director
General FIA Riffat Mukhtar Raja visited the airport on January 16, 2026, to
assess operations and enhance inter-agency coordination. Agreed measures
include the introduction of a queue management system, phased installation of
e-gates, deployment of additional immigration staff, a pre-departure passenger
application, and dedicated queue management personnel.
Read More Federal
Investigation Agency (FIA) takes major step to facilitate passengers
The
FIA reaffirmed its commitment to delivering efficient, transparent, and
passenger-friendly immigration services while continuously upgrading
infrastructure and coordination to meet increasing travel demands.
Source:
Daily Independent