PM approves expansion of Jinnah and Allama Iqbal airports, eyes making Karachi 'air cargo hub'

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has greenlit the expansion of Allama Iqbal International Airport and Jinnah International Airport, as per their respective masterplans, with the goal of transforming Karachi into an "air cargo hub." During a meeting chaired by the premier in Islamabad, he stressed the importance of maintaining high quality standards in the expansion projects and ensuring alignment with international requirements.

The prime minister directed that third-party validation be sought to monitor the progress of the improvements.

Officials briefed on the meeting revealed that work on installing automated border management systems, or e-gates, at major airports is already underway. Additionally, progress is being made on the creation of an air cargo village to bolster Karachi's position as an air cargo hub. The prime minister emphasized that passenger convenience should be a top priority, and facilities should be enhanced according to international standards.

To achieve this, internationally renowned institutions would be enlisted to provide services, and regular training in high-quality service delivery would be provided to airport staff. The meeting also discussed the upgrading of airports throughout the country and ongoing development work by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has increased staff and counters at airports to improve passenger convenience. A meet-and-greet service was launched at Islamabad airport, and pre-departure desks have been established at major airports across the nation to provide timely guidance to travelers. Furthermore, the Federal Investigation Agency plans to establish an international standard aviation university by February 2028, starting from February of that year, at the existing aviation institution in Hyderabad.

Earlier this month, the prime minister also ordered the installation of smart scanners at all international airports to streamline the travel process for passengers.