ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the expansion of Lahore and Karachi airports under their respective master plans, directing authorities to complete the projects on time and meet international standards.
Chairing a meeting on airport expansion and passenger facilitation in Islamabad, the prime minister stressed that passenger convenience must remain the top priority at all airports across the country.
He directed officials to maintain construction quality and ensure third-party validation of reforms aimed at improving airport infrastructure and passenger services.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting reviewed findings from a recent survey conducted by an international firm to assess passenger facilities at major airports.
PM Calls for Better Passenger Services
Shehbaz Sharif called for the engagement of internationally recognised organisations to improve airport services. He also directed authorities to provide regular service-delivery training to officers and staff responsible for passenger facilitation.
The prime minister emphasised better coordination among agencies operating at airports. He said passenger convenience must remain the foremost consideration in their operations.
He also instructed authorities to engage reputable catering companies at airports, stressing that the quality of food and beverages served to passengers must not be compromised.
Lahore and Karachi Airport Expansion Plans Reviewed
During the meeting, officials presented the master plans for Lahore and Karachi airports, including proposed expansion projects and construction schedules.
The prime minister directed the relevant authorities to complete the projects within the prescribed timelines and in line with international standards.
Officials also informed the meeting that runway expansion work at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport had been completed.
The meeting reviewed ongoing development and upgrade projects at airports nationwide under the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
More Airports and Digital Facilities
According to the briefing, the CAA made 14 airports operational over the past year to support the resumption of domestic flight operations.
Meanwhile, installation of automated border management systems, known as E-Gates, at major airports is progressing rapidly.
Authorities are also developing an Air Cargo Village to help establish Karachi as an air cargo hub.
To improve passenger services, Islamabad International Airport has introduced a Meet and Greet service. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has also established pre-departure desks at major airports to provide timely guidance to travellers.
The FIA has increased staffing levels and expanded the number of counters to improve passenger facilitation and service delivery, officials told the meeting.
Hyderabad Aviation Institution to Become University
The meeting also reviewed plans to upgrade an existing aviation institution in Hyderabad into an aviation university designed to meet international standards.
Work on the project is expected to begin by February 2028.
The initiatives form part of broader efforts to improve airport infrastructure, strengthen passenger services and expand aviation-related facilities across Pakistan.
