Jazmin Li
The Benazir Bhutto International Airport, formerly serving Islamabad, Pakistan, was replaced by the new Islamabad International Airport in 2018. The new airport was constructed to accommodate the growing number of passengers at the former airport, which was increasing by 14% annually. The new airport features a hotel, convention centre, duty-free shops, a food court, leisure facilities, and banks. It is capable of handling 9 million passengers annually, with plans to expand to accommodate up to 25 million. The old Islamabad airport, now known as the PAF Base Nur Khan, no longer serves civil aviation but continues to operate as a military base.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Benazir Bhutto International Airport |
| Location | 10km (6 miles) southeast of Islamabad, in the city of Rawalpindi |
| Former purpose | Served Islamabad–Rawalpindi metropolitan area |
| Current purpose | Forms part of the adjoining PAF Base Nur Khan (also known as PAF Base Chaklala) |
| Construction | Began in April 2007 |
| Replacement | Islamabad International Airport |
| Reason for replacement | Increasing air traffic and passenger loads at Benazir Bhutto International Airport |
| Year replaced | 1 May 2018 |
| Year of last commercial flight | 2018 |
| Former ranking | Second-largest airport by air traffic in Pakistan |
| Former capacity | 11 wide-body aircraft at one time, with an additional 5 parking spaces for general aviation aircraft |
| Former annual passenger turnover | 3.5 million |
| Former annual passenger growth rate | 14% |
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What You'll Learn
Benazir Bhutto International Airport replaced by Islamabad International Airport
Benazir Bhutto International Airport, formerly serving the Islamabad–Rawalpindi metropolitan area, was replaced by the new Islamabad International Airport. Benazir Bhutto International Airport was the second-largest airport by air traffic in Pakistan until 1 May 2018, when it ceased civil aviation operations.
The new airport was planned in response to the increasing air traffic and passenger loads at Benazir Bhutto International Airport. It was estimated that the number of passengers at the former airport was growing by 14% annually, compared to the national air passenger growth rate of 4%. This led to the site in Pind Ranjha, Attock District, being selected for the construction of a new airport just a few kilometres from the Islamabad interchange on M-1/M-2 motorways.
The new Islamabad International Airport is the first greenfield airport constructed in Pakistan and is named after the assassinated ex-Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. The airport is located 25km southwest of the city and is directly connected to the Lahore and Peshawar motorways. It has a 180,000 m2 modular terminal building, capable of handling 9 million passengers and 80,000 metric tons of cargo per year. The airport commenced full operations in May 2018 and is expected to serve 25 million passengers annually following future expansions.
Benazir Bhutto International Airport, previously known as Islamabad International Airport, is now a part of the adjoining PAF Base Nur Khan (also known as PAF Base Chaklala).
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Old airport now a PAF base
The Benazir Bhutto International Airport, formerly serving the Islamabad–Rawalpindi metropolitan area, has been replaced by the new Islamabad International Airport. The old airport, located in the area of Chaklala in Rawalpindi, was the second-largest airport by air traffic in Pakistan. However, it was decided that a new airport was necessary due to the increasing air traffic and passenger loads at the Benazir Bhutto International Airport. The new airport is located on a 3,600-acre site in Pind Ranjha near Fateh Jang, just a few kilometres from the Islamabad interchange on M-1/M-2 motorways.
The new Islamabad International Airport is the first greenfield airport constructed in Pakistan and is named after the assassinated ex-Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. The airport features a modular terminal building that is architecturally significant for Pakistan, with a design that incorporates traditional Islamic geometric patterns. The terminal includes 15 gates, duty-free shops, a food court, and various other amenities. It is capable of handling 9 million passengers and 80,000 metric tons of cargo annually, with plans to expand its capacity to 25 million passengers in the future.
As for the old Benazir Bhutto International Airport, it no longer serves civil aviation purposes. Instead, it has been integrated into the adjoining PAF Base Nur Khan, also known as PAF Base Chaklala. The former airport now functions exclusively as a military base, serving a different purpose from its previous role in civil aviation.
The transformation of the old airport into a PAF base is a strategic decision, allowing for the efficient utilisation of the existing infrastructure. It provides the Pakistani Air Force with a well-connected and strategically located base, given its proximity to the capital city of Islamabad and its accessibility via the Srinagar Highway. This repurposing ensures that the facilities and resources of the former airport continue to serve a vital role in the country's operations and security.
The new Islamabad International Airport, which replaced the old airport, commenced full operations on 6 May 2018. It is well-equipped to handle the increasing air traffic and provides improved facilities for passengers and international travellers. With its modern design, efficient infrastructure, and capacity to accommodate larger aircraft, the new airport offers a significant upgrade in aviation services for the region.
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New airport's terminal features and facilities
The Benazir Bhutto International Airport in Islamabad, Pakistan, was replaced by the Islamabad International Airport in 2018. The new airport was constructed in response to the increasing air traffic and passenger loads at the former airport.
New Airport Terminal Features and Facilities
The new Islamabad International Airport terminal showcases several features and facilities for passengers and visitors. Here are some of the key features:
- Architectural Design: The terminal building is architecturally significant, incorporating traditional Islamic geometric patterns in its design. It also features an intelligent main roof with water conservation capabilities and an elongated driveway for better views and natural lighting, reducing cooling costs.
- Passenger Capacity: The terminal is designed to handle up to 9 million passengers annually in its initial phase. With further expansions, it is expected to accommodate up to 25 million passengers per year.
- Gates and Runways: The terminal includes 15 gates, with 10 remote gates, and two 4,000-foot-long category-F runways capable of handling large aircraft. One runway will be used for operations, while the other will serve as an emergency runway.
- Immigration Facilities: The new terminal is equipped with 42 immigration counters to facilitate the smooth processing of international travellers.
- Duty-Free Shopping and Food Options: Passengers can enjoy duty-free shopping and a variety of dining options at the food court.
- Additional Amenities: The terminal offers a range of amenities, including a hotel, a convention centre, an airside mall, a business centre, leisure facilities, and banks.
- Cargo Facilities: The airport boasts a cargo complex capable of handling 80,000 metric tons of cargo annually, making it the largest cargo airport in Pakistan.
- Accessibility: The airport is conveniently located 20-25 km from the centre of Islamabad and is well-connected to the Lahore and Peshawar motorways, as well as the Srinagar Highway.
- Sustainability: The terminal building is designed with sustainability in mind, utilising natural daylight for main lighting and incorporating sun shading to reduce cooling costs.
- Security Features: The airport includes a special parking area for hijacked aircraft, secure cargo facilities, and other security measures to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.
These features and facilities at the new Islamabad International Airport terminal enhance the overall travel experience, providing improved services and accessibility for passengers and contributing to the airport's status as a significant transportation hub in Pakistan.
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Old airport's history and former importance
Islamabad's Benazir Bhutto International Airport, formerly known as the Islamabad International Airport, was once the third-largest airport in Pakistan. Located in the area of Chaklala in Rawalpindi, it served as the primary airport for the capital city of Islamabad and its twin city Rawalpindi in the province of Punjab. The airport was also known as Chaklala Airbase prior to the partition, with the air strip and a portion of the aerodrome built in the 1930s. During World War II, it served as a standby strip for the British Air Force.
The airport gained significant importance after the country's capital shifted from Karachi to Islamabad. In 1958, Pakistan International Airlines, the national flag carrier, began its operations, and in 1963, it commenced international operations. The airport was a hub for several airlines, including Pakistan International Airlines, Shaheen Air, and Airblue, and it handled VIPs, foreign diplomats, high-level government officials, and military officials, in addition to scheduled public operations.
Due to its small size, the airport faced challenges in accommodating the increasing air traffic and passenger loads. It could only handle eleven wide-body aircraft at a time and could not accommodate large aircraft such as the Airbus A380 or the Boeing 747-8. The number of passengers at the airport was growing at a rate of 14% annually, compared to the national air passenger growth rate of 4%. This led to over-congestion, with the concourse hall and car parking area often packed to capacity.
To address these issues, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) announced the construction of a new airport in January 2005, with a planned site in Pind Ranjha, Attock District. The new Islamabad International Airport, named after the assassinated ex-Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, became operational in May 2018, replacing the old airport. The old Benazir Bhutto International Airport now serves as part of the adjoining PAF Base Nur Khan, also known as PAF Base Chaklala.
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New airport's construction and planning
New Airports Construction and Planning
The construction of new airports and the expansion of existing ones is a continuous process driven by the ever-growing demand for air travel. Airport infrastructure is crucial for a country's economy, connectivity, and tourism. Here is a look at some notable new airport construction and planning projects worldwide:
Islamabad International Airport, Pakistan
The Islamabad International Airport is a prominent example of a newly constructed airport. The project was announced in January 2005 to address the increasing air traffic and passenger loads at the former Benazir Bhutto International Airport. Construction began in April 2007 on a 3,600-acre site, with a total project cost of $400 million. The new airport features a modern terminal building, two runways, and various passenger amenities. It commenced operations in May 2018 and is now the largest cargo airport in Pakistan, capable of serving 9 million passengers annually.
New Infrastructure Projects
Several airports worldwide are undergoing significant infrastructure upgrades and expansions:
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO): The Terminal 3 West Modernization project is a $2.6 billion endeavour that will renovate and expand Terminal 3, enhancing security, passenger amenities, and overall space.
- Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), UK: LBA:REGEN is a £100 million privately funded development to transform the existing terminal into a modern, efficient, and sustainable facility, improving the passenger experience.
- London Luton Airport (LLA), UK: LLA is undergoing a major reconstruction after a fire destroyed one of its main car parks. The project will include improvements to benefit passengers travelling to and from the airport.
- Nashville International Airport: The $1.5 billion New Horizons plan involves expanding concourses, upgrading baggage handling systems, and improving traffic flow.
- Sacramento International Airport: A $140 million pedestrian walkway and skybridge will connect Terminal B to Concourse B, featuring moving sidewalks, escalators, and elevators.
- Antalya Airport (AYT), Turkey: The expansion project has added 132,000 square metres to the international Terminal 2 and 38,000 square metres to the domestic terminal.
- Barbuda International Airport: The new airport in Barbuda has opened up direct connections to global destinations, enhancing tourism and economic growth for the island.
These projects highlight the ongoing investments and developments in airport infrastructure to cater to the evolving needs of aviation and passenger experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The old Islamabad airport, formerly known as Benazir Bhutto International Airport, was replaced by the new Islamabad International Airport in May 2018 due to increasing air traffic and passenger loads.
The old airport was struggling to cope with the increasing number of passengers. It was estimated that the number of passengers at the former airport was growing by 14% annually, compared to the national air passenger growth rate of 4%.
The new Islamabad International Airport is located 20km from the centre of Islamabad and 23km from Rawalpindi. It is well-connected to the Lahore and Peshawar motorways and is easily accessible from the city via the Srinagar Highway.
The new airport features a modular terminal building that can handle 9 million passengers and 80,000 metric tons of cargo annually. It has two runways, with one dedicated as an emergency runway, and a cargo complex. The terminal also includes duty-free shops, a food court, banks, and leisure facilities.
