KARACHI: A high-level meeting was held under the chairmanship of Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah with a delegation from the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA). The meeting reviewed plans for the expansion and upgrading of Sukkur, Karachi and Hyderabad airports, the proposed new Sukkur Greenfield Airport, and the establishment of an aviation university in Hyderabad.
The Pakistan Airports Authority sought the Sindh government’s cooperation in land acquisition, road connectivity and other development matters. The Chief Minister directed the relevant provincial departments to maintain close coordination with the PAA and provide all possible facilitation.
New Greenfield Airport in Sukkur
A feasibility study for a new Greenfield Airport in the Sukkur region was presented during the meeting. The proposed airport will serve as a regional gateway for Upper Sindh and surrounding areas, with an estimated annual capacity of around 1.6 million passengers.
The new airport will be capable of handling larger aircraft, including aircraft diverted from Karachi when required. According to the PAA, approximately 3,000 acres of land will be required for the project, and the authority has sought the Sindh government’s assistance in acquiring the land.
Expansion and Modernization of Karachi Airport
The meeting also reviewed the ongoing modernization of Jinnah International Airport Karachi. The project includes improvements to passenger facilities, flooring, ceilings, lighting, signage and car parking, while the renovation is planned to incorporate elements of the Indus Valley civilization and Sindh’s cultural heritage.
The reconstruction and expansion of Karachi Airport’s flagship runway has been completed, increasing its length from 3,200 metres to 3,500 metres. Taxiways, airfield lighting and navigation systems have also been upgraded.
Future plans include the construction of a 285-foot-high new Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower and a modern 10-bay fire station. Two options are being considered for terminal expansion. Under one option, the terminal building would be expanded from approximately 115,000 square metres to 400,000 square metres, while boarding bridges would increase from 12 to 25. The second major option proposes 50 boarding bridges and an annual passenger-handling capacity of 75 million passengers.
Plan to Develop Hyderabad Airport as a Regional Hub
A plan to upgrade Hyderabad Airport as a regional aviation hub and an alternative airport for Karachi was also presented during the meeting.
Under the proposal, the existing 7,000-foot runway would be extended to 11,500 feet, helping facilitate the transportation of agricultural and other products from Hyderabad and surrounding areas and supporting economic activity.
The PAA also sought the Sindh government’s assistance in resolving land-transfer and encroachment issues involving approximately 1,473 acres of Hyderabad Airport land.
Proposal for an Aviation University in Hyderabad
The meeting also discussed a proposal to transform the Civil Aviation Training Institute Hyderabad (CATI) into Pakistan’s first dedicated aviation university.
Established in 1982, CATI has trained more than 25,000 people from 49 countries through approximately 2,500 courses. The institute currently has four schools covering air navigation, airport services, regulatory services and aviation management.
The proposal includes utilizing existing grey structures at the site for the university and seeking Sindh government support for the construction of a road connecting Kotri with Hyderabad city.
The Chief Minister welcomed the initiatives and directed the relevant departments to support the PAA on land, road connectivity and coordination with district administration.
Syed Murad Ali Shah said aviation infrastructure should be integrated with regional road networks and broader development planning to improve connectivity between Sindh’s major cities and economic centres and promote trade, investment, tourism and better passenger services.
