In a major step toward improving regional connectivity and boosting aviation infrastructure, the Pakistan Airports Authority has permitted the construction of two new international airports—one in Sukkur and another in Muzaffarabad.
This move clearly indicates the broader mission of Federal Government to improve
- Travel accessibility
- Minimize journey times
- Promote economic activity in impoverished areas
As per the official sources, both airport projects are expected to be completed within five years. The PAA has already initiated preliminary groundwork under the supervision of its Works and Development Department. A dedicated committee has also been formed to oversee land acquisition and project logistics.
The projects, with an estimated budget of Rs 2 billion, reflect a strategic investment in national infrastructure. Sukkur International Airport is being decided to serve the upper Sindh region, which has long faced limited direct flight options. It will make the travel process easier once it operates for residents and businesses in Sukkur, Larkana, and nearby areas.
Read more: Mirpur set to get international airport as feasibility process begins
Similarly, the Muzaffarabad International Airport will provide much-needed air access to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Moreover, it will open the avenues for increased tourism and improved mobility for the local masses of the area.
The airport is anticipated to become an extremely remarkable doorsill for domestic and international travelers both due to the stunning and mesmerizing landscape of AJK.
The government is leaving no stone unturned to engage with both technical consultants and external aviation experts during the design and construction phases to guarantee on-time execution. These efforts aim to bring international standards and modern facilities to the new airports.
This development is followed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent order to start a feasibility study for a potential international airport in Mirpur and a request from British Members of Parliament prompted it. The Mirpur airport, if ratified, would further prove to be expanding air connectivity for the sizable Pakistani diaspora based in the United Kingdom.
All-inclusively, these airport projects underscore the will and dedication of Gov to decentralizing development and ensuring that all regions of Pakistan are better connected to the rest of the country and the world.