Senate defence panel reviews airports, Gilgit expansion plans

The Senate Standing Committee on Defence reviewed airport conditions and air connectivity across Pakistan at Parliament House, with officials reporting that a feasibility study for a new airport near Gilgit on about 1,800 acres is nearing completion.

The committee met under Senator Talha Mahmood. Senators Umar Farooq, Masroor Ahmed, Atta ur Rehman and Dost Khan Dhondki attended, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi took part as a special invitee.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Defence briefed the committee on the condition of airports, flight operations and measures to improve passenger facilities. He said the reasons behind the current state of Jinnah International Airport in Karachi needed to be examined and invited members to visit the facility. A comparison of the airport's previous and current condition would be presented later.

The committee was told that the aviation sector has been under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence since February 4, 2025. Over the past one and a half years, Balochistan's airports have received particular attention, with increased flight operations to several destinations and night-flight facilities introduced at some airports.

Officials explained that technical problems with aircraft can affect the wider network, as the absence of one aircraft may delay or cancel multiple flights. Private airlines are expanding their fleets, with additional aircraft expected in the coming months and more by December. AirSial, Airblue and other carriers are acquiring planes, and airlines are encouraged to use smaller aircraft such as ATR and Embraer planes on regional routes.

On Peshawar Airport, the ministry acknowledged that the facility requires complete renovation and a new terminal building. Governor Kundi proposed direct flights linking Peshawar with Swat and Lahore, restoration of Dera Ismail Khan Airport and resumption of commercial flights there, saying residents of Peshawar and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should have convenient and affordable air travel.

For Gilgit Airport, officials said Pakistan International Airlines currently operates two ATR aircraft on Gilgit routes, with plans to add aircraft ahead of the coming season. The runway and lighting systems have been modernised, which could allow other airlines to consider launching operations from Gilgit. The final location of the proposed new airport will be decided after relevant recommendations.