The expansion of Sardar Farooq Ahmed Khan Leghari Airport in Dera Ghazi Khan is expected to be completed by January 2028. Federal Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari announced the timeline during a visit to the airport on Monday.
The project aims to improve the airport’s infrastructure and provide better facilities for passengers. It is expected to cost Rs5.5 billion and will include major changes to the runway, lighting systems and passenger areas.
Runway to Be Extended and Widened
During his visit, Leghari inspected the ongoing expansion work and received a briefing from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) about the project’s progress and planned improvements.
Under the project, the airport’s runway will be extended from 1.9 kilometres to 3 kilometres. Its width will also increase from 100 feet to 200 feet. These changes are expected to improve the airport’s operational capacity.
The project also includes the installation of modern lighting systems to allow aircraft to land at night. This could improve the airport’s ability to handle flights outside daylight hours, subject to operational requirements and approvals.
New waiting lounges and other passenger facilities are also planned as part of the expansion. These improvements are intended to provide a better experience for travellers using the airport.
The project is a major infrastructure development for Dera Ghazi Khan. Its completion could improve regional air connectivity and make air travel more convenient for residents and visitors. However, the final benefits will depend on the airport’s operational arrangements and the availability of scheduled flights.
Four Major Development Projects Underway
Speaking about development in Dera Ghazi Khan, Leghari said four major projects were underway in the city. These include the expansion of the Indus Highway, which is expected to support road connectivity and transportation.
The federal minister also highlighted a cancer hospital project being pursued by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The hospital is intended to strengthen healthcare facilities in the city, although further details about its completion timeline were not provided in the announcement.
Another major initiative is a sewerage project designed to meet the needs of Dera Ghazi Khan, which serves as a divisional headquarters, for the next 50 years. The project aims to address long-term sewerage and infrastructure requirements as the city develops.
Focus on Regional Infrastructure
The airport expansion, road improvements, healthcare development and sewerage project represent several areas of infrastructure planning in Dera Ghazi Khan.
If completed as planned, the airport project could improve facilities for passengers and strengthen the city’s transport links. The extension and widening of the runway, along with the introduction of night-landing lighting, are among its key planned upgrades.
For now, January 2028 remains the expected completion date announced by the federal minister. Further progress will depend on the project’s implementation and completion of the planned construction work.
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