Pakistan’s air transport sector contributes an estimated $5.6 billion to the national economy, equivalent to around 1.7 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product, according to a report released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The report said airlines, airport operators, air navigation service providers and aviation manufacturers directly employ about 56,700 people in Pakistan. Their activities generate approximately $2.1 billion in economic output, representing around 0.6 per cent of GDP.
The aviation sector’s wider economic contribution increases substantially when employment and business activity generated through its supply chain, employee spending and tourism are included.
According to IATA, the sector supports nearly 683,900 jobs across Pakistan and contributes a combined $5.6 billion to GDP.
Tourism facilitated by air travel contributes an additional $952.1 million to the economy and supports around 227,900 jobs, the report said. International visitors arriving in Pakistan by air are also estimated to spend about $1.6 billion annually on goods and services provided by local businesses.
The findings highlight the aviation industry’s broader role in supporting employment, tourism, trade and economic activity across the country.
Reporter: Imran Aslam