Karachi Airport completes 18-month rehabilitation program
Jinnah
International Airport (JIAP) has restored full dual-runway operations
following the completion of an extensive 18-month rehabilitation programme for
its primary runway, significantly enhancing operational capacity and resilience
at Pakistan's busiest aviation hub.
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) completed the
airside infrastructure upgrade between July 2024 and January 2026, restoring
the airport's primary runway, 07L/25R, which had remained out of service for
several years due to ageing pavement and structural deterioration.
During the closure, all aircraft movements were handled
by the airport's secondary runway, 07R/25L, allowing uninterrupted flight
operations but placing sustained pressure on airfield capacity.
As part of the rehabilitation programme, the primary
runway was extended from 3,200 metres to 3,500 metres and widened from 60
metres to 75 metres, bringing it into compliance with ICAO Code 4F standards.
The upgraded runway is now capable of accommodating the world's largest
commercial aircraft, including the Airbus A380.
Read More Work
on Jinnah International Airport’s main runway completed ahead of schedule
The project also included the reconstruction of major
taxiways, including Golf, Quebec and Foxtrot, along with the refurbishment of
several connecting taxiways to improve aircraft movement across the airfield.
In addition, the PAA upgraded the airport's stormwater
drainage system, modernised airfield lighting, and installed an enhanced
Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Category I Airfield Lighting System (ALS)
to improve operational safety, particularly during low-visibility conditions. A
new airfield lighting management system and dedicated power vault were also
commissioned to enhance system reliability.
Despite the scale of the works, flight operations
continued throughout the construction period. The rehabilitation was carried
out in carefully planned phases while the secondary runway remained fully
operational, ensuring minimal disruption to airline schedules.
According to the Pakistan Airports Authority, close
coordination between engineering teams, contractors and air traffic control was
critical to maintaining operational continuity throughout the project.
Construction activities were carried out under strict safety protocols, with
continuous monitoring, regular inspections and comprehensive risk management
measures in place.
The authority said the project was completed within the
approved budget and schedule, with no reportable safety incidents recorded
during construction.
Read More Karachi
Airport to undergo major upgrade to accommodate Airbus A380
With both runways now operational, Jinnah International
Airport is expected to benefit from increased operational flexibility, improved
traffic management, enhanced scheduling efficiency and greater resilience
during peak demand and emergency situations.
The Pakistan Airports Authority described the rehabilitation as a major
milestone in the modernization of Pakistan's aviation infrastructure,
strengthening the airport's long-term capacity while ensuring compliance with
international operational and safety standards.