Pakistan accelerates efforts to restore and reopen inactive airports
Pakistan has accelerated efforts to restore and reopen inactive airports across the country as part of a broader strategy to strengthen regional air connectivity and improve aviation infrastructure.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting held at the headquarters of the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) in Karachi. The session was chaired by PAA Director General Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed and attended by senior officials from the authority’s airport services, engineering, and commercial divisions.
Read More Inactive
airports across Pakistan cost millions to tax payers
According to sources familiar with the discussions, participants were directed to expedite the revival of airports in Dera Ismail Khan, Turbat, Dalbandin, and Saidu Sharif. The meeting also reviewed plans for restoring operations at Sukkur Airport, New Gwadar Airport, and several other facilities across the country.
The initiative follows recent efforts by the Ministry of Defence and the PAA to rehabilitate dormant aviation infrastructure and improve access to underserved regions. Earlier this month, Dera Ismail Khan Airport resumed operations after remaining inactive for several years, marking a significant step in the government’s broader airport restoration programme.
Sources said the Ministry of Defence has instructed the PAA to fast-track the rehabilitation of all non-operational airports nationwide to support economic activity, improve passenger connectivity, and strengthen the country’s aviation network.
Read More Pakistan:
High-level panel directs aviation authorities to restore non-operational
domestic air routes
The meeting also discussed matters related to the launch of a new private airline, although officials did not disclose further details.
The Pakistan Airports Authority was established through a statutory notification issued on August 9, 2024 (SRO 1216(I)/2024), with a mandate to enhance the management, operation, and development of airports and related aviation services across Pakistan.
Source:
The News