Pakistan Moves to Restore Inactive Airports to Improve Regional Connectivity

Pakistan has intensified efforts to reopen inactive airports across the country as part of a broader plan to improve regional air connectivity and enhance access to remote areas.

A high-level meeting held at the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) headquarters in Karachi reviewed ongoing initiatives aimed at restoring operations at several dormant airports.

Officials discussed plans to reactivate airports in Dera Ismail Khan, Turbat, Dalbandin, and Saidu Sharif, along with other facilities including Sukkur and New Gwadar. The initiative is part of a wider strategy to strengthen the country’s aviation infrastructure and expand domestic air travel.

Authorities were directed to speed up restoration work to ensure that non-operational airports are brought back into service as soon as possible. The move is expected to support economic activity and improve transportation access in underserved regions.

Recent developments include the resumption of operations at Dera Ismail Khan Airport after remaining closed for several years, marking a step toward improving regional flight connectivity.

Officials also reviewed broader aviation sector matters, including proposals related to private airline operations, although no specific details were released.

The meeting was chaired by the Director General of the Pakistan Airports Authority and attended by senior officials from relevant departments, including engineering and commercial divisions.

The government continues to focus on upgrading aviation infrastructure as part of its long-term transport and connectivity development strategy.