All 20 immigration departure counters at Jinnah International Airport have been fully activated to improve passenger flow, officials announced, saying the move significantly reduces congestion during peak international travel hours. Authorities described the step as part of broader modernization efforts aimed at making departures faster, smoother, and more efficient for travelers.
Deputy Director of Immigration Shehzad Akbar stated that complete staffing during rush periods has lowered the average immigration clearance time to nearly one minute per passenger. He explained that improved coordination among staff and better queue management systems helped streamline processing without compromising security or documentation checks.
Officials also confirmed that a pre-departure clearance counter is now operational, allowing passengers to complete immigration formalities days before their scheduled flights. This optional facility is intended to minimize last-minute delays, reduce stress for travelers, and ease crowd pressure at the airport during busy travel seasons.
Further upgrades are planned, including installation of automated e-gates and the launch of a dedicated mobile application designed to simplify departure procedures. Authorities said these digital tools will allow passengers to complete several steps electronically, reducing paperwork and wait times while aligning airport operations with international travel standards.
Recent measures introduced by the Airport Security Force have also contributed to smoother movement. Non-travelers are now restricted from entering the departure zone, which officials say has eased overcrowding and improved security monitoring inside terminals, especially during high-traffic evening and early morning flight schedules.
During peak hours, some domestic lounge counters are temporarily reassigned to handle international departures, giving airlines additional boarding space. Officials emphasized these coordinated steps reflect ongoing efforts to modernize aviation services in Karachi and enhance overall passenger experience through faster processing, better infrastructure, and technology-driven facilitation.
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