Islamabad: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) is advancing a multibillion-rupee programme to expand and modernise airport infrastructure across the country, with more than PKR 69 billion allocated for development projects in fiscal year 2026-27.
The authority, which has completed two years since its establishment, currently manages 26 operational airports and serves more than 22 million passengers annually.
Among the major projects completed during the period is the New Gwadar International Airport, developed at a cost of PKR 55 billion. The PAA has also completed the reconstruction of Karachi airport’s main runway at a cost of PKR 10 billion.
Rehabilitation and upgradation work has also been completed at airports in Dera Ismail Khan, Parachinar and Turbat, according to the authority.
Major expansion programmes are currently under way at Lahore and Skardu airports, with PKR 43 billion allocated for the Lahore project and PKR 70 billion for the Skardu development programme.
The PAA has also undertaken projects to modernise airport operations and facilities. Islamabad International Airport has been converted into the country’s first fully cashless airport, while other initiatives include modern security-screening systems, e-gates and upgraded air traffic management systems.
Additional infrastructure projects include a cargo village at Karachi airport, a new air traffic control tower at Peshawar airport and a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at Islamabad airport.
The authority is also considering the development of new greenfield airports in Sukkur, Faisalabad and Dera Ismail Khan as part of efforts to expand the country’s aviation infrastructure.
For FY2026-27, the PAA has secured a development budget of more than PKR 69 billion, representing a 110% increase and providing additional funding for airport expansion, rehabilitation and modernisation projects.
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