The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has announced plans to establish a modern cold storage facility at Islamabad International Airport through a long-term lease agreement. The project aims to improve the handling and storage of temperature-sensitive cargo, including food items, medicines, vaccines, flowers, and other perishable products passing through the airport.
According to the authority, the lease rights for constructing and operating the facility will be auctioned on July 30, 2026. The bidding process is scheduled to begin at 11:00 am in the Conference Room of the Red Building, Block III, at Islamabad International Airport.
The proposed facility will be built on Plot E-102, located near Cargo Avenue. The site covers 1,684 square yards, with the auction starting price fixed at Rs. 15,750 per square yard. Interested companies must also submit Rs. 1 million as earnest money to participate in the bidding.
The successful bidder will receive the land on a 30-year lease, with the possibility of extending the agreement by another 20 years through mutual consent under the Pakistan Airports Authority’s Land Lease Policy 2019. The selected company will be responsible for financing, constructing, owning, operating, and maintaining the cold storage facility. The plot will be handed over on an “as is, where is” basis.
Only registered and licensed companies with relevant approvals will be allowed to participate. Applicants must have experience or official authorization to operate cold storage facilities or temperature-controlled warehouses. They will also need to provide documents proving their eligibility before the auction begins.
Companies blacklisted by the Pakistan Airports Authority or those with outstanding dues will not be eligible to bid. Participants must submit two copies of their CNIC, a non-refundable auction fee of Rs. 1,000, and the Rs. 1 million earnest money through a pay order in favour of the Pakistan Airports Authority.
The earnest money of unsuccessful bidders will be refunded within 15 days after the winning bid is confirmed. However, the highest bid will remain subject to approval by the PAA Executive Committee. If the committee rejects the bid, a fresh auction will be held within 30 days.
The new cold storage facility is expected to strengthen cargo operations at Islamabad International Airport by providing safe and reliable storage for temperature-sensitive goods. Interested companies can obtain further details from the Pakistan Airports Authority’s Commercial and Estates Directorate or through its official website.
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