Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the expansion of Karachi and Lahore airports under their master plans. He has directed authorities to improve passenger facilities, maintain international standards and complete the projects within the prescribed timelines.
The prime minister said passenger convenience must remain the top priority at Pakistan’s airports. He also stressed that there would be no compromise on the quality of construction work, airport services or expansion projects.
Focus on International Standards and Passenger Facilities
Chairing a meeting in Islamabad on airport expansion and passenger facilities, Shehbaz Sharif directed the relevant authorities to ensure third-party validation of expansion plans and reforms.
He called for the involvement of internationally recognised institutions to improve airport facilities and bring services closer to international standards. He also directed officials to arrange formal training for staff responsible for assisting passengers.
The prime minister stressed the need for better coordination among the different agencies working at airports. He said all departments should work together to make travel easier and improve the overall passenger experience.
He also directed authorities to hire high-quality catering companies for airport food services. The prime minister made it clear that food quality must not be compromised.
Karachi and Lahore Airport Expansion Plans
During the meeting, officials briefed the prime minister on the master plans for Jinnah International Airport in Karachi and Lahore Airport. The briefing covered the proposed expansion projects, development plans and construction timelines.
Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to ensure that all construction work meets international standards and that projects are completed within the approved schedules.
Officials also provided updates on development and upgradation projects being carried out by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) at airports across Pakistan.
The meeting was informed that the runway expansion at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi has been completed. The development is part of the broader efforts to improve the country’s aviation infrastructure.
More Airports and Improved Passenger Services
Officials said the Civil Aviation Authority had made 14 airports operational for domestic flights over the past year.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has also increased its staff strength and the number of service counters at airports to help passengers complete immigration procedures more efficiently.
Work is underway to introduce automated border management systems, including electronic gates, at major airports. These systems are expected to help improve passenger processing and reduce delays.
An air cargo village is also being developed to support Karachi’s goal of becoming an air cargo hub. The project is aimed at strengthening cargo-handling facilities and supporting aviation-related business activities.
Meanwhile, a meet-and-greet service has been launched at Islamabad International Airport to make it easier for people to receive and assist arriving passengers.
The FIA has also established pre-departure desks at major airports. These desks provide travellers with timely guidance before they board their flights.
Aviation University Planned in Hyderabad
The meeting was also informed about plans to upgrade an existing aviation institution in Hyderabad into an international-standard aviation university.
Work on the project is expected to begin by February 2028. The proposed university is intended to strengthen aviation education and training in Pakistan.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Dr. Musadik Malik, Ahsan Khan Cheema and Attaullah Tarar, along with other government representatives and senior officials.
The approved airport expansion plans, along with improvements in training, immigration services, catering and aviation education, form part of the government’s wider effort to upgrade Pakistan’s aviation facilities and improve the experience of air travellers.
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