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ISLAMABAD, Jan 28 (APP):Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence, Senator Talha Mahmood, along with Senator Atta-ur-Rehman Darvesh, visited Islamabad International Airport on Wednesday, where they received detailed briefings on airport operations, infrastructure, and security.
Upon arrival at the State Lounge, the delegation was welcomed by Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) Deputy Director General Sadiq-ur-Rehman and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Deputy Director General Luqman Rashid. Senior officials, including the Director Airport Services and the Chief Operating Officer/Airport Manager, were also present.
During the briefing session, the PAA Deputy DG provided an overview of airport operations, infrastructure development, management processes, and major ongoing projects. The CAA Deputy DG highlighted regulatory matters, international aviation standards set by ICAO, and key safety and security protocols.
The COO/Airport Manager briefed the committee on passenger comfort and facilitation measures. Islamabad International Airport—Pakistan’s first greenfield airport—was completed in May 2018 and currently has the capacity to handle 9 million passengers annually and 100,000 metric tons of cargo, with expansion plans to increase passenger capacity to 25 million.
Passenger-centric facilities include digital lost-and-found services, cashless transactions, QR-based complaint registration and redressal, fast-track services for diplomats and business-class travelers, charging stations, free Wi-Fi, prayer areas, advanced baggage-handling systems, rainwater harvesting through the under-construction Kasana Dam, LED lighting, and electric airside vehicles.
The Director Commercial outlined the airport’s commercial potential, including duty-free shops, food outlets, branded automobile display zones, restaurants, automated car parking, movie theaters, gaming zones, and the upgradation of CIP lounges aimed at boosting non-aeronautical revenue.
Officials noted that passenger complaints—such as issues related to prayer spaces, cleanliness, restrooms, and leakages—are addressed promptly, with all 41 PMDU complaints for 2025 fully resolved. Islamabad International Airport continues to maintain its 3-star Skytrax rating among Asian airports.
The Director Security briefed the delegation on screening procedures, security measures, and coordination with the Airport Security Force (ASF).
Following the briefings, the senators toured various sections of the airport, including immigration counters, commercial areas, the ATC tower, the fire station, and other key operational zones.
Senator Talha Mahmood praised PAA’s efforts in improving passenger services, addressing complaints efficiently, upgrading infrastructure, strengthening security, and expanding commercial activity. He said these initiatives reflect Pakistan’s commitment to advancing civil aviation in line with international standards.
The PAA reaffirmed its commitment to continuous improvement, sustainability, and transforming Islamabad International Airport into a world-class facility.