ISLAMABAD, Aug 20 (APP):Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Raja Osama Sarwar on Thursday said the government was undertaking a series of infrastructure and operational improvements at Karachi airport to enhance passenger facilities, safety and operational efficiency. Responding to a Calling Attention Notice regarding infrastructure facilities and the operational condition of Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, he said digital passenger information screening software had been introduced at the airport, while a runway had …
Govt undertaking phased improvements at Karachi airport: parliamentary secretary told NA
ISLAMABAD, Aug 20 (APP):Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Raja Osama Sarwar on Thursday said the government was undertaking a series of infrastructure and operational improvements at Karachi airport to enhance passenger facilities, safety and operational efficiency.
Responding to a Calling Attention Notice regarding infrastructure facilities and the operational condition of Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, he said digital passenger information screening software had been introduced at the airport, while a runway had also been developed and expanded.
He said a new lighting system had been installed to facilitate aircraft landing at night and improve operational safety.
Raja Osama said several other projects were part of the government’s plan, including a dedicated isolation bay to deal with hijacking or other security threats, improvements to the Air Traffic Control (ATC) building and an upgraded baggage-handling system.
He said the government had already completed several major projects at Karachi airport. A new runway had been constructed around eight months ago, with capacity to handle 38 aircraft, while two taxiways had also been built to reduce aircraft descent and landing times.
The parliamentary secretary said consultancy for a new Air Traffic Control tower had been completed and work on the project had commenced.
He said the airport could not be completely shut down for renovation as it had to continue serving passengers and maintaining flight operations. Therefore, improvements were being carried out in phases.
He said the next phase included replacement of tiles, improvement of counters and terminal lighting, and expansion of parking capacity, which was being increased threefold.
Raja Osama said the government was also working to improve electronic facilities at the airport. He said international passenger processing facilities would be expanded and their timing improved to facilitate travellers.
He said firefighting and fire-protection arrangements were also being strengthened, while renovation of all toilets at the airport had been initiated.
He added that an additional water source would be provided as a backup to ensure uninterrupted water availability at the airport.
The parliamentary secretary said e-gates would also be introduced to facilitate passengers and enable eligible travellers to complete exit procedures more conveniently.
He said the government had already improved Islamabad and Lahore airports and was similarly focused on upgrading Karachi airport.
Raja Osama said a major cargo centre was also planned for Karachi to bring banks, shipping companies and other stakeholders under one roof. The facility would facilitate exports and imports and strengthen the city’s role as a global cargo hub.
He said the planned improvements would take some time to complete but would significantly enhance airport facilities and passenger services once implemented.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, speaking on the issue, said Karachi airport had sufficient land available for expansion and there was no need to shift the facility.
He said around 1,600 acres of land was currently vacant adjacent to the airport, while hundreds of additional acres could also be made available for future development.
He said a new runway had already been constructed at the airport, along with other facilities, and the available land provided ample scope for further expansion.
Khawaja Asif said some land had been encroached upon across a drain, but resolving such encroachments was the responsibility of the Karachi administration rather than the aviation authorities.
He said all airports in the country were currently undergoing improvements, with facilities being upgraded and deteriorated infrastructure being repaired.
Referring to concerns about Karachi airport, he said bathrooms and other passenger facilities were being renovated, while around 25 to 30 per cent of the required improvements were either completed or under process.
The minister said the government had no plans to shift Karachi airport and would instead focus on expanding and improving the existing facility.
He said a meeting with the prime minister had also been held on the matter and requested a few months to complete the ongoing improvements.
Khawaja Asif said additional facilities could be developed on the available land to meet future requirements and further strengthen the airport’s capacity.
