Parachinar Airport resumes operation after an extended period of inactivity
Parachinar Airport
has resumed operations after an extended period of inactivity, following
renovation and repair work carried out by the Frontier
Works Organisation and the Pakistan Airports Authority.
Officials confirmed that the airport in Kurram District is now fully operational after
undergoing upgrades aimed at restoring its infrastructure and ensuring
compliance with aviation safety standards.
Trial Operations Confirm Readiness
Prior to reopening, Pakistan Army Aviation conducted a series of
evaluation flights on April 26 to assess the condition of the runway and
overall operational readiness. Six successful takeoffs and landings were
carried out under varying conditions to test performance and safety benchmarks.
Following these trials, the runway was declared
fit for operations, meeting required professional and safety standards.
Authorities said the tests marked the final phase of assessment before clearing
the airport for use.
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Background and Assessment Process
Efforts to restore the airport began last
year, when officials from the Pakistan Airports
Authority and Pakistan International
Airlines visited the site to evaluate its potential for commercial and
humanitarian operations.
An eight-member committee comprising
representatives from both organizations was subsequently formed to conduct a
comprehensive review of the facility. The inspection covered critical
infrastructure, including the terminal building, runway, fire safety
installations, accommodation facilities, and power systems.
The reopening follows the committee’s
recommendations and the completion of necessary repair and upgrade work.
Boost to Connectivity and Local Economy
The reactivation of the airport is expected to
significantly improve connectivity for residents of the region, which has long
faced transportation challenges due to its remote location. Officials say the
restored facility will support not only passenger travel but also emergency
response and humanitarian operations when needed.
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Airports Authority (PAA) upgrading the country’s’ aviation infrastructure
Authorities also expect the reopening to contribute to local economic
activity by improving access to markets and services in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
With
operations now resumed, Parachinar Airport is poised to play a renewed role in
strengthening regional transport links after years of dormancy.
Source: Pakistan
Today