Airports In Pakistan: A Comprehensive Overview

Pakistan has a total of 69 airports, including three major hubs in Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore. Six additional medium-sized airports are located in Peshawar, Multan, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Quetta, and Sukkur, while the remaining are classified as smaller airports. However, one source states there are 62 airports in Pakistan.

Pakistan has 69 airports in total

Most civil airports in Pakistan are operated by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. However, Sialkot International Airport, owned by the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is Pakistan's first privately owned airport and the first of its kind in South Asia. It is open to both domestic and international flights.

Military airbases are primarily managed by the Pakistan Air Force, except for the Dhamial and Tarbela Army Aviation Airbases, which are under the jurisdiction of the Pakistan Army, and Faisal Airbase, Karachi, which is managed in partnership with the Pakistan Navy.

Some sources state that there are 62 airports in Pakistan.

Three major hubs are in Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore

Pakistan has a total of 69 airports, including three major hubs in Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore. Six additional medium-sized airports are located in Peshawar, Multan, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Quetta, and Sukkur, while the remaining are classified as smaller airports.

Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore are the three most populous cities in Pakistan, and their airports are the country's busiest. Karachi's Jinnah International Airport is the largest airport in Pakistan, serving as a hub for Pakistan International Airlines and Air Indus. It is located in the country's economic capital and handles the majority of international flights to and from Pakistan. Islamabad International Airport is the second-largest airport in the country and serves as a hub for Pakistan's flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines. It is located in the country's capital city and handles a significant number of domestic and international flights. Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore is the third-largest airport in Pakistan and serves as a hub for several airlines, including Airblue and Pakistan International Airlines. It is located in the country's cultural and educational hub and is known for its modern architecture and efficient facilities.

These three airports play a crucial role in connecting Pakistan to the rest of the world and facilitating domestic travel within the country. They offer a range of amenities and services to passengers and are well-equipped to handle a large volume of air traffic.

In addition to the major hubs, Pakistan has several other notable airports. Sialkot International Airport stands out as the country's first privately owned airport and is open to both domestic and international flights. Faisal Airbase in Karachi is managed in partnership with the Pakistan Navy, showcasing the collaboration between different branches of the military. These airports, along with the major hubs, contribute to the diverse aviation landscape of Pakistan, catering to the needs of travellers and promoting connectivity within the region.

Six additional medium-sized airports are located in Peshawar, Multan, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Quetta, and Sukkur

Pakistan has a total of 69 airports, including three major hubs in Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore.

The remaining airports in Pakistan are classified as smaller airports. Most civil airports in Pakistan are operated by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. However, military airbases are primarily managed by the Pakistan Air Force, except for the Dhamial and Tarbela Army Aviation Airbases, which are under the jurisdiction of the Pakistan Army, and Faisal Airbase, Karachi, which is managed in partnership with the Pakistan Navy.

Sialkot International Airport is Pakistan's first privately owned airport

Pakistan has a total of 69 airports, including three major hubs in Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore. Six additional medium-sized airports are located in Peshawar, Multan, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Quetta, and Sukkur, while the remaining are classified as smaller airports.

Most civil airports in Pakistan are operated by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. However, Sialkot International Airport, owned by the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stands out as Pakistan's first privately owned airport. It is also the first of its kind in South Asia. The airport is open to both domestic and international flights and is situated 14 km (8.7 mi) west of Sialkot in the Sialkot District of Pakistan.

Sialkot International Airport was built by the business community of Sialkot. Before the completion of the new greenfield Islamabad International Airport, it had the longest runway in Pakistan. Approximately 1,000,000 travellers from Sialkot and adjacent areas are expected to benefit from this international airport each year. In January 2019, the inaugural Pakistan International Airlines flight from Paris via Barcelona touched down in Sialkot, linking the city to Europe for the first time.

The airport also serves as a fuel farm and provides a maintenance ground to several air companies, both international and national. It is one of the biggest privately-owned international airbases in Pakistan. The airport houses a 3,600-metre-long runway, the second-longest runway in the country.

Military airbases are primarily managed by the Pakistan Air Force

Pakistan has a total of 69 airports, including three major hubs in Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore. Six additional medium-sized airports are located in Peshawar, Multan, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Quetta, and Sukkur, while the remaining are classified as smaller airports. Most civil airports in Pakistan are operated by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. However, military airbases are primarily managed by the Pakistan Air Force. The Dhamial and Tarbela Army Aviation Airbases are under the jurisdiction of the Pakistan Army, while the Faisal Airbase in Karachi is managed in partnership with the Pakistan Navy.

The Pakistan Air Force is the aerial warfare branch of the Pakistan Armed Forces and is headquartered in Islamabad. It is primarily responsible for defending Pakistani airspace, providing air support to the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy during armed conflicts, and assisting in humanitarian relief operations during natural disasters. The Pakistan Air Force also plays a crucial role in safeguarding the country's vital assets and strategic interests.

The Pakistan Air Force operates a wide range of aircraft, including fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters. It has a robust training programme to ensure the readiness and effectiveness of its personnel. The force has a long history dating back to the early days of Pakistani independence and has participated in various military operations, both domestically and internationally.

As the primary manager of military airbases in Pakistan, the Pakistan Air Force plays a vital role in maintaining the country's air defence capabilities. It ensures the smooth operation of these airbases, providing the necessary infrastructure, personnel, and resources to support military aviation activities. This includes the coordination of air traffic control, maintenance of runways and facilities, and the deployment of military aircraft for various missions.

The Pakistan Air Force's management of military airbases contributes to the overall security and defence posture of the country. It enables the rapid response to external threats, the conduct of surveillance and reconnaissance operations, and the projection of air power when needed. The efficient management of these airbases ensures the operational readiness of the Pakistan Air Force, allowing it to fulfil its mandate of safeguarding Pakistani airspace and supporting the country's armed forces.

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