Expansion of Skardu Airport to cost Rs. 900 million
The Pakistan Airports
Authority (PAA) has launched a Rs. 900 million expansion and modernization
project at Skardu International Airport,
aiming to enhance passenger capacity, improve cargo handling, and support the
rapid growth of tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The project will significantly upgrade the airport's
infrastructure to accommodate increasing domestic and international air traffic
while strengthening Skardu's position as a gateway to Pakistan's northern
mountain region.
According to the PAA, the airport's terminal building
will be expanded from 21,000 square feet to 39,000 square feet, nearly doubling
its operational space. The departure lounge will be enlarged to accommodate 900
passengers, up from the current capacity of 300, while the arrival lounge will
increase from 80 to 200 passengers.
Passenger processing facilities will also be enhanced
through the addition of four new check-in counters, raising the total from six
to ten, a move expected to reduce congestion during peak travel seasons.
Parking capacity will triple from 200 to 600 vehicles, improving accessibility
for travelers and visitors.
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The development project also includes the construction
of a modern cargo office block to strengthen freight handling capabilities and
facilitate commercial activity in the region.
The PAA said the expanded airport will be better
positioned to support growing passenger demand, improve connectivity to
Gilgit-Baltistan, and accommodate future international flight operations.
PAA spokesperson Saifullah Khan said construction has
entered its initial phase, with line-marking work already underway ahead of the
main civil engineering activities.
Skardu International Airport was upgraded to
international status in 2021 as part of Pakistan's efforts to improve air
connectivity to the country's northern regions. Located in Gilgit-Baltistan,
the airport serves as the primary gateway for tourists visiting some of the
world's highest mountain ranges, including the Karakoram and the Himalayas, as
well as popular destinations such as K2, Deosai National Park, and Shangrila
Resort.
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Passenger traffic to Skardu has grown steadily in recent
years, driven by rising domestic tourism and increasing interest from
international travelers seeking adventure tourism and mountaineering
opportunities. The latest expansion forms part of the government's broader
strategy to modernize aviation infrastructure, improve regional connectivity,
and support economic development through tourism and trade.
Once completed, the upgraded airport is expected to accommodate
substantially higher passenger volumes, improve operational efficiency, and
enhance the region's ability to attract both domestic and international
visitors.
Source:
Techjuice