Pakistan to spend billions on upgradation of a airports
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has launched an extensive multibillion-rupee programme to expand and modernise airport infrastructure across the country, marking two years since the authority was established.
The programme includes the completion of the New Gwadar International Airport at a cost of Rs55 billion and the reconstruction of the main runway at Karachi airport, undertaken at an estimated cost of Rs10 billion.
According to a PAA spokesperson, the authority currently manages 26 operational airports and provides facilities to more than 22 million passengers annually.
The authority has also completed rehabilitation and upgrading works at airports in Dera Ismail Khan, Parachinar and Turbat.
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Meanwhile, major expansion and development projects are under way at Lahore and Skardu airports. The Lahore airport project has been allocated Rs43 billion, while Rs70 billion has been earmarked for the development programme at Skardu.
The PAA said Islamabad International Airport has also been transformed into the country's first fully cashless airport as part of its efforts to modernise passenger services and airport operations.
Several other major projects are in progress, including the development of a cargo village at Karachi airport, construction of a new air traffic control tower at Peshawar airport and establishment of a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at Islamabad airport.
The authority is also investing billions of rupees in advanced security-screening systems, e-gates and modern air traffic management systems to strengthen airport security, improve operational efficiency and enhance passenger services.
Looking ahead, the PAA is considering the development of new greenfield airports in Sukkur, Faisalabad and Dera Ismail Khan.
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The authority has also secured a substantial increase in its development budget for fiscal year 2026-27. More than Rs69 billion has been allocated, representing a 110% increase over the previous allocation.
The PAA said the ongoing and planned projects were aimed at expanding airport capacity, upgrading infrastructure, improving operational efficiency and enhancing passenger facilities across the country.
Source:
Express Tribune