Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the expansion of Karachi and Lahore airports under their master plans, directing authorities to improve passenger facilities in line with international standards and complete the projects within stipulated timelines.
The prime minister emphasized that passenger facilitation must remain the top priority at Pakistani airports, with no compromise on the quality of expansion projects or services.
Chairing a meeting in Islamabad on airport expansion and passenger facilities, Shehbaz directed authorities to ensure third-party validation of expansion plans and reforms aimed at improving the travel experience.
He also called for the services of internationally renowned institutions to improve airport facilities and directed that staff responsible for passenger services receive formal training in service delivery.
The prime minister stressed the need to improve coordination among different agencies operating at airports and ensure that passenger convenience remains paramount. He also directed authorities to engage high-quality catering companies, adding that food quality at airports would not be compromised.
The meeting was briefed on the master plans for Jinnah International Airport in Karachi and Lahore Airport, including their expansion plans and construction timelines.
Shehbaz directed authorities to ensure that construction meets international standards and that the projects are completed within the prescribed timelines.
Officials also briefed the meeting on ongoing development and upgradation projects being carried out by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) at airports across the country.
The meeting was informed that the expansion of the runway at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, has been completed.
Airport Services and Connectivity Improvements
The meeting was informed that the CAA had made 14 airports operational for domestic flights over the past year.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has also increased the number of staff and counters to facilitate passengers, officials said.
Work is underway to install automated border management systems, including e-gates, at major airports.
Meanwhile, an air cargo village is being developed to establish Karachi as an air cargo hub. Officials also briefed the meeting on the launch of a meet-and-greet service at Islamabad International Airport to facilitate passengers.
The FIA has established pre-departure desks at major airports to provide timely guidance to travelers.
Aviation University Planned in Hyderabad
The meeting was further informed that the existing aviation institution in Hyderabad is being upgraded into an international-standard aviation university.
Work on the project is expected to begin by February 2028.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Dr. Musadik Malik, Ahsan Khan Cheema and Attaullah Tarar, Prime Minister’s Adviser Muhammad Ali, Members of the National Assembly Raja Usama Sarwar and Ali Zahid, Prime Minister’s Coordinator Sardar Yasir Ilyas, and senior officials.
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