The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has embarked on an extensive multibillion-rupee programme to expand, rehabilitate and modernise the country’s aviation infrastructure as it completes two years since its establishment.
The authority currently manages 26 operational airports and serves more than 22 million passengers annually. Its ongoing development programme covers airport infrastructure, passenger facilities, air traffic management, security systems and other aviation-related facilities aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s air transport network.
Among the major completed projects is the New Gwadar International Airport, developed at a cost of Rs55 billion. The project represents a significant addition to aviation infrastructure in Balochistan and is expected to support connectivity and economic activity in the region.
At Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, the main runway has been reconstructed at a cost of Rs10 billion. The PAA has also completed rehabilitation and upgradation works at airports in Dera Ismail Khan, Parachinar and Turbat, improving infrastructure at airports serving important regional markets.
Major expansion programmes are currently under way at Lahore and Skardu airports. The Lahore airport development programme has an allocation of Rs43 billion, while Rs70 billion has been earmarked for the development programme at Skardu airport. These projects are expected to expand airport capacity and improve facilities in two important aviation and tourism markets.
In another step towards digital transformation, Islamabad International Airport has been converted into Pakistan’s first fully cashless airport. The initiative is part of wider efforts to introduce modern technology and improve the efficiency of passenger services at the country’s airports.
The PAA is also undertaking several projects to strengthen specialised aviation infrastructure. These include the development of a cargo village at Karachi airport, construction of a new air traffic control tower at Peshawar airport and establishment of a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at Islamabad airport.
Investment is also being directed towards modern security-screening systems, e-gates and upgraded air traffic management systems. Such technologies are intended to improve airport operations, passenger processing and aviation safety while supporting the increasing requirements of Pakistan’s air transport sector.
Looking ahead, the authority is considering the development of new greenfield airports in Sukkur, Faisalabad and Dera Ismail Khan. If implemented, these projects could further expand Pakistan’s airport network and improve regional connectivity.
The PAA has also secured a development budget of more than Rs69 billion for the fiscal year 2026-27, representing a 110 percent increase compared with the previous allocation. The increased development spending provides additional scope for infrastructure upgrades and the implementation of new aviation projects.
With airport expansion, digitalisation, improved security infrastructure and investment in air traffic management progressing simultaneously, the PAA’s development programme reflects a broader effort to strengthen Pakistan’s aviation infrastructure. The projects are also relevant to the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors, as improved air connectivity can facilitate access to major business, cultural and tourism destinations.
As Pakistan’s passenger traffic and regional connectivity continue to evolve, the completion and implementation of these projects will remain important for enhancing airport capacity and supporting the future development of the country’s aviation and tourism industries.
