Karachi Lahore Airports Expansion Approved
Karachi Lahore airports expansion was approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif under the master plans for both airports. The prime minister directed authorities to improve passenger facilities in line with international standards and complete the projects within set timelines.
Shehbaz said passenger facilitation must remain the top priority at Pakistani airports, with no compromise on the quality of expansion projects or services. He gave the direction while chairing a meeting in Islamabad on airport expansion and passenger facilities.
The meeting was briefed on the master plans for Jinnah International Airport in Karachi and Lahore Airport, including their expansion plans and construction timelines. Officials also briefed the meeting on ongoing development and upgrade projects being carried out by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) at airports across the country.
Karachi Lahore airports expansion: what changes for passengers
The prime minister directed authorities to ensure third-party validation of expansion plans and reforms aimed at improving the travel experience. Third-party validation means an independent body checks the work, rather than the builder marking its own homework. For passengers, that check should catch poor construction and weak services before they become daily problems.
Shehbaz also called for the services of internationally renowned institutions to improve airport facilities. Staff responsible for passenger services will receive formal training in service delivery. He stressed better coordination among the different agencies operating at airports, so passengers do not face conflicting instructions at each counter.
Food also featured in the discussion. The prime minister directed authorities to engage high-quality catering companies, adding that food quality at airports would not be compromised. Construction must meet international standards, he said, and projects must finish within the prescribed timelines.
Runway, e-gates and a cargo hub
The meeting was informed that the expansion of the runway at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, has been completed. A longer, stronger runway lets larger aircraft operate and reduces delays linked to runway capacity.
The CAA has made 14 airports operational for domestic flights over the past year, officials said. Work is under way to install automated border management systems, including e-gates, at major airports. E-gates let passengers clear immigration checks by machine, which should shorten queues at busy hours.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has increased the number of staff and counters to facilitate passengers, officials said. The FIA has also established pre-departure desks at major airports to provide timely guidance to travellers.
An air cargo village is being developed to establish Karachi as an air cargo hub. That project matters beyond passengers, since faster cargo handling helps exporters move goods and can bring more freight business through Karachi.
A meet-and-greet service has also been launched at Islamabad International Airport to facilitate passengers, officials said. The service helps arriving and departing travellers who need guidance inside the terminal.
Aviation university planned in Hyderabad
The meeting was further informed that the existing aviation institution in Hyderabad is being upgraded into an international-standard aviation university. Work on the project is expected to begin by February 2028. A dedicated university would train pilots, engineers and airport managers in Pakistan, rather than sending every student abroad for such training, and the Pakistan Airports Authority is already hiring for specialist roles.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Dr Musadik Malik, Ahsan Khan Cheema and Attaullah Tarar, Prime Minister’s Adviser Muhammad Ali, Members of the National Assembly Raja Usama Sarwar and Ali Zahid, Prime Minister’s Coordinator Sardar Yasir Ilyas, and senior officials.
The airport decisions sit alongside wider aviation work. Pakistan recently resolved a dispute over Taiwanese airlines using its airspace, while the cost of the airspace ban for Indian airlines has drawn attention. Regional air travel also continues to recover, with flights resuming at Riyadh airport after cancellations. For readers planning travel, the e-gates and extra FIA counters should matter sooner than the longer expansion works.
Frequently asked questions
Which airports will be expanded?
Jinnah International Airport in Karachi and Lahore Airport, under their master plans approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
What passenger improvements are planned?
Third-party validation of expansion plans, staff training, better inter-agency coordination, high-quality catering, e-gates at major airports, more FIA staff and counters, and pre-departure desks.
Has any work already finished?
Yes. The expansion of the runway at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, has been completed, and 14 airports have been made operational for domestic flights over the past year.
