PM approves expansion plans for Karachi, Lahore airports

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday approved plans to expand Lahore and Karachi airports, directing authorities to complete the projects within the set timeframe.

The development came during a meeting held in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Shehbaz regarding the improvement of services at Pakistani airports.

The meeting was briefed on the expansion projects of Karachi and Lahore airports, besides upgradation of various airports and ongoing development works by the Civil Aviation Authority across the country.

The meeting was briefed on the master plans of Lahore and Karachi airports and the planning and construction timelines for expansion under them.

The prime minister directed that construction be completed in accordance with international standards.

Shehbaz directed authorities to ensure third-party validation of reforms to improve expansion projects and passenger travel facilities.

“Services of internationally renowned firms should be obtained to improve travel facilities at airports,” he said.

The meeting was informed that the expansion of the runway at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, has been completed.

The meeting was told that during the past year, the Civil Aviation Authority has activated 14 airports for the restoration of domestic flights.

It was learnt that work is progressing rapidly on the installation of an automated border management system, i.e. e-gates, at major airports.

Furthermore, work is also underway on an air cargo village to make Karachi an air cargo hub.

The meeting was informed that meet and greet service has been started at Islamabad Airport for passenger facilitation.

Similarly, the FIA has established pre-departure desks at major airports of the country for timely guidance of passengers.

It was shared that the existing aviation institution in Hyderabad is being further improved to make it an international-standard aviation university, on which work will be started by February 2028.