Sindh CM, PAA team review major airport development projects
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah chaired a meeting with a delegation of the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) in Karachi on Saturday during which they reviewed major aviation infrastructure projects in the province, including the proposed Sukkur Greenfield Airport, upgrades to Karachi and Hyderabad airports, and the establishment of an aviation university, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The PAA delegation, led by Director General Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, briefed the chief minister on the projects and sought the Sindh government’s assistance in acquiring land for the proposed developments.
CM Murad assured the PAA of the provincial government’s full cooperation and directed the relevant departments to facilitate land acquisition, road connectivity and other development-related matters.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Agha Wasif, Planning and Development Chairman Najam Shah and Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi.
Sukkur Greenfield Airport
The meeting was informed that a feasibility study had been conducted for a new greenfield airport in the Sukkur region, which is being planned as a regional gateway for Upper Sindh and surrounding areas.
According to the briefing, the proposed airport would have the capacity to handle 1.6 million passengers annually and accommodate the landing and takeoff of large aircrafts.
The airport could also serve as an alternative to Karachi Airport, allowing aircrafts diverted during flights to land in Sukkur.
The meeting was informed that the existing Sukkur Airport faces constraints related to airspace, limited land availability and future expansion.
The feasibility study indicated that more than 29.6 million people live within a three-hour travel radius of the Sukkur region.
The PAA requires approximately 3,000 acres of land for the proposed airport and has sought the Sindh government’s assistance in the acquisition process. The authority also invited the provincial government to partner in the project under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The CM directed relevant officials to coordinate with the PAA on land acquisition and connectivity matters.
Karachi Airport expansion
The meeting also reviewed ongoing upgrades and modernization work at Jinnah International Airport Karachi.
The project includes improvements to passenger facilities, flooring, ceilings, lighting, signage and car parking. The renovated airport will incorporate elements reflecting the Indus Valley Civilization, cultural heritage and history.
The PC-I form and detailed design for the project are currently being prepared, with a completion period of two years.
The meeting was also informed that reconstruction and expansion of the airport’s main runway had been completed within the contract period. The runway has been extended from 3,200 meters to 3,500 meters and is now operational.
Taxiways, airfield lighting and navigation systems have also been upgraded.
A new 285-foot Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower and a modern 10-bay fire station are also planned at Karachi Airport to improve air traffic monitoring and emergency response competence.
Two options are being considered for the expansion of the airport’s terminal.
The first proposal calls for the expansion of the terminal building from 115,000 square meters to 400,000 square meters, while the number of boarding bridges would more than double, increasing from 12 to 25.
The second proposal calls for 50 boarding bridges and an annual passenger-handling capacity of up to 75 million.
The CM directed the relevant departments to maintain close coordination with the PAA regarding road connectivity and expansion projects.
Hyderabad Airport upgrade
The meeting also discussed plans to upgrade Hyderabad Airport into a regional aviation hub and an alternative airport for Karachi.
Under the proposal, the existing 7,000-foot runway would be extended to 11,500 feet.
The upgrade is expected to facilitate the transportation of agricultural and other products from Hyderabad and surrounding areas and support economic activity in the region.
The upgraded airport would also provide an alternative landing facility in case of air traffic congestion at Karachi Airport.
Aviation University plan
The meeting further reviewed the establishment of an aviation university as part of efforts to strengthen the province’s aviation infrastructure and educational sector.
Reporter Shoaib Mukhtar