Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved expansion plans for Lahore and Karachi airports, directing authorities to complete the projects on schedule and maintain international standards.
The decision was taken at a meeting in Islamabad on Thursday to review airport development and measures to improve passenger services, according to an official statement.
Shehbaz said passenger convenience should remain the top priority at airports across Pakistan. He directed authorities to maintain construction quality and ensure independent third-party assessments of expansion projects and reforms aimed at improving travel facilities.
Focus on service quality and staff training
The prime minister called for engaging internationally recognised organisations to improve airport services. He also directed regular training for airport officers and staff responsible for assisting travellers.
He stressed the need for better coordination among the different agencies operating at airports to reduce difficulties for passengers.
The prime minister also called for engaging reputable catering companies and maintaining food and beverage quality at airport facilities.
Karachi airport and other projects
Officials informed the meeting that runway expansion work at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport had been completed.
The Civil Aviation Authority has also reactivated 14 airports for domestic flights over the past year, according to the briefing.
Work is progressing on installing automated border management systems, including e-gates, at major airports. These systems are intended to streamline passenger processing at border checkpoints.
Authorities are also developing an air cargo village to help establish Karachi as a regional air cargo hub.
More facilities for travellers
The meeting was informed that a meet-and-greet service had been introduced at Islamabad International Airport to assist passengers.
The Federal Investigation Agency has established pre-departure desks at major airports to provide travellers with timely guidance. It has also increased staffing and the number of service counters to improve passenger facilitation.
Separately, an existing aviation institution in Hyderabad is being upgraded into an aviation university designed to meet international standards. Work on the project is expected to begin by February 2028.
The expansion of Lahore and Karachi airports forms part of broader efforts to improve Pakistan’s aviation infrastructure. The impact on travellers will depend on timely project completion, service quality and the effective implementation of the proposed improvements.
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