PM Shehbaz approves expansion of Lahore and Karachi airports
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday approved expansion of Lahore and Karachi airports under their master plans. He told authorities to finish the work on time and to meet international standards.
- Expansion of Lahore and Karachi airports approved under their master plans
- PM ordered no compromise on construction quality and third-party validation
- Runway expansion at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport has been completed
- Work on a Hyderabad aviation university is expected to begin by February 2028
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday approved the expansion of Lahore and Karachi airports under their respective master plans. He directed authorities to complete the projects within stipulated timelines and in line with international standards.
He was chairing a meeting on airport expansion and passenger facilitation. Business Recorder reported that he stressed passenger convenience must remain the top priority at all airports.
The prime minister directed that there be no compromise on the quality of construction. He also ordered third-party validation of airport infrastructure and of reforms to passenger services.
The meeting reviewed the findings of a recent survey by an international firm on the quality of passenger facilities at major airports. The prime minister called for engaging internationally renowned organisations to improve airport services.
He further directed that passenger facilitation officers and staff receive regular training in service delivery. He stressed the need for better coordination among the agencies working at airports, and told authorities to engage reputable caterers, with no compromise on the quality of food and beverages.
Officials told the meeting that runway expansion at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi had been completed. The Civil Aviation Authority had made 14 airports operational over the past year to help resume domestic flights. Installation of automated border management systems, known as E-Gates, at major airports was progressing rapidly, and work was under way on an Air Cargo Village meant to develop Karachi into an air cargo hub.
Officials also said a Meet and Greet service had been introduced at Islamabad International Airport. The Federal Investigation Agency had set up pre-departure desks at major airports and increased staffing and the number of counters to improve service.
An existing aviation institution in Hyderabad is being upgraded into an aviation university built to international standards, with work expected to begin by February 2028. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, several federal ministers, adviser Muhammad Ali, MNAs Raja Osama Sarwar and Ali Zahid, and coordinator Sardar Yasir Ilyas.
Why it matters
Travellers using Lahore and Karachi airports are affected by the approved expansion and the planned changes to passenger services, from E-Gates to catering and staff training.
