PM approves Karachi airport expansion, plans aviation university in Hyderabad

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday approved expansion plans for Lahore and Karachi airports under their respective master plans, directing authorities to complete the projects within prescribed timelines and in line with international standards.

Chairing a meeting on airport expansion and passenger facilitation, the prime minister said passenger convenience must remain the top priority at all airports across the country.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Shehbaz directed authorities to ensure construction quality and arrange third-party validation of reforms aimed at improving airport infrastructure and passenger services.

The meeting reviewed findings from a recent survey conducted by an international firm to assess passenger facilities at major airports. The prime minister called for the engagement of internationally recognised organisations to improve airport services and directed regular training for staff responsible for passenger facilitation.

He also stressed better coordination among agencies operating at airports and directed authorities to engage reputable caterers, saying food and beverages served to passengers must meet quality standards.

Officials briefed the meeting on the master plans for Lahore and Karachi airports, including proposed expansion work and construction schedules. The prime minister directed that the projects be completed within the stipulated timeframe.

The meeting was informed that the runway expansion at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport had been completed.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) also briefed the meeting on development and upgrading projects at airports nationwide. According to the briefing, 14 airports had been made operational over the past year to facilitate the resumption of domestic flight operations.

Installation of automated border management systems, known as E-Gates, at major airports was also progressing, officials said.

Work was under way on an Air Cargo Village aimed at developing Karachi into an air cargo hub. Meanwhile, a Meet and Greet service had been introduced at Islamabad International Airport to facilitate passengers.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had established pre-departure desks at major airports to guide travellers. It had also increased staffing and the number of counters to improve passenger facilitation, the meeting was told.

Officials further informed the meeting that an existing aviation institution in Hyderabad was being upgraded into an aviation university desig