Hyderabad airport may resume operations after 13-year hiatus: reports

Hyderabad airport is poised to resume commercial operations after an absence of over a decade, according to media reports citing officials of the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA). The proposed project aims to make the airport a viable alternate hub for Karachi, Sukkur, and Nawabshah during adverse weather conditions and emergencies. Officials within the PAA have stated that work on the project is anticipated to commence soon.

In line with the upgrade plans, the existing 7,000-foot runway at Hyderabad airport will be extended to approximately 11,500 feet. This extension would enable the operation of larger aircraft, such as Boeing 777s, thereby expanding the airport's capabilities. Additionally, the project would see enhancements to passenger facilities to support the new flight operations.

Should the revival of Hyderabad airport materialize, it could potentially pave the way for the resumption of domestic air services originating from the city. The city may then emerge as a significant regional aviation hub, providing a buffer against disruptions affecting other major airports in the region. In the event of emergencies or weather-related disruptions, flights scheduled to land in Karachi, Nawabshah, or Sukkur could be diverted to Hyderabad.

Passengers could then be transported by road to their intended destinations, ensuring that onward travel arrangements remain intact.

Hyderabad airport has remained grounded since 2013, when Pakistan International Airlines conducted the final commercial passenger flight from the facility. A spokesperson from the PAA, Saif Ullah, confirmed to Business Recorder that the projected revival is part of the authority's plans. However, Ullah clarified that no formal statement has been issued regarding the matter. He stated, "Yes, it is planned. Although we haven’t issued any formal statement, the contents (reported by local media) are mostly true."