Hyderabad airport is set to reopen for commercial flights after more than a decade and may serve as an alternate hub for Karachi, Sukkur and Nawabshah during bad weather and emergencies, according to media reports citing officials.
Sources within the Pakistan Airports Authority said work on the proposed project is expected to begin soon.
Under the plan, the airport’s 7,000-foot runway would be extended to about 11,500 feet, allowing larger aircraft, including Boeing 777s, to operate from the facility.
The project will also include upgrades to passenger facilities to support flight operations.
The proposed revival could pave the way for the resumption of domestic air services from Hyderabad, turning the city into a regional aviation hub.
Under the contingency plan, flights scheduled to land in Karachi, Nawabshah or Sukkur could be diverted to Hyderabad during emergencies or weather-related disruptions.
Passengers could then be transported by road to their final destinations, allowing airlines to maintain travel operations.
Hyderabad airport has not handled a commercial passenger flight since 2013, when Pakistan International Airlines operated its last service from the airport.
Pakistan Airports Authority spokesperson Saif Ullah confirmed to Business Recorder that the airport’s revival is part of the authority’s plans, while clarifying that no formal statement has yet been issued.
“Yes, it is planned. Although we haven’t issued any formal statement, the contents are mostly true,” he said.
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