ISLAMABAD, Sep 2 (APP): The New Islamabad International Airport would become operational by August 14 next year as almost 82% work on the project had been completed.
“I will inaugurate the New Islamabad International Airport on 14th August, 2017, Insha Allah,” Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said while chairing a meeting on aviation affairs wherein he was briefed on the status and progress of work on airports in different parts of the country including Bannu and Mansehra.
The meeting was informed that almost 82% work on the New Islamabad International Airport has been completed and efforts were in place to complete the project within the allocated financial resources.
The project has been divided into three main packages of Airside, Passenger Terminal as well as Landside.
The prime minister was also apprised about peripheral facilities including link roads, water facilities, provision of natural gas, electricity as well as commuting facilities for the New Islamabad International Airport.
It was informed that Ramma Dam and Kasana Dam would supply water to the new airport and these would be completed soon.
The prime minister expressed hope that the New Islamabad International Airport would be an icon of professional excellence.
He directed to ensure that all international standards were strictly followed while executing the project.
He said the new airport would be a regional hub of air passengers and travelers.
The prime minister directed that Islamabad-Rawalpindi Metro be connected to the new airport to facilitate the community.
The meeting was also briefed on the extension of Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore.
The prime minister was briefed on different state of the art designs, proposed for the extension which were of global standards. The proposed designs were a blend of the Spanish and Mughal architecture, having modern touch.
The prime minister approved the proposed designs and directed to launch the work on the extension of Allama Iqbal International Airport.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Secretary Aviation Irfan Elahi, Director General Civil Aviation Air Marshal (retd) Asim Suleman and other senior government officials attended the meeting.
