Govt. of Pakistan Planning to Build Three New Airports in Mirpur, Hyderabad, and D.I. Khan

In a major development for Pakistan’s aviation sector, the federal government, in coordination with the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), is planning to construct three new airports in the cities of Mirpur (Azad Jammu & Kashmir), Hyderabad (Sindh), and Dera Ismail Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa). This initiative is part of a broader plan to improve connectivity, promote regional development, and ease the load on existing major airports.

Why These Cities Were Chosen

• Mirpur, Azad Kashmir:
  Mirpur has a large overseas Pakistani population, particularly in the UK. Due to the absence of a nearby airport, travelers must rely on Islamabad or Sialkot airports, which are over 2 hours away. A local airport will significantly reduce travel time and enhance accessibility for both domestic and international passengers.
• Hyderabad, Sindh:
  Hyderabad is the second-largest city in Sindh, but lacks an airport. The new airport will serve the growing population and industrial sector and reduce pressure on Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport.
• Dera Ismail Khan (D.I. Khan), KP:
  Located in the southern region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, D.I. Khan is a growing urban center with increasing transportation demands. A local airport will open new trade and travel routes, especially for people from South Waziristan and neighboring tribal areas.

Project Status and Planning

• The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has initiated feasibility studies for all three locations.
• Land acquisition, environmental impact assessments, and air traffic demand studies are currently in progress.
• According to government sources, initial planning documents have been submitted to the Ministry of Aviation, and a detailed project proposal is expected to be finalized by the end of 2025.

Estimated Budget and Funding Sources

• While final estimates are yet to be announced, early reports suggest:
  • Mirpur Airport: Around Rs. 25 billion
  • Hyderabad Airport: Approximately Rs. 22 billion
  • D.I. Khan Airport: Estimated Rs. 20 billion
  These figures may change depending on the final design, size, and scale of each facility.
• Funding will be sourced from:
  • Federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP)
  • Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
  • International donors or investors (possibly from Gulf countries)

Facilities and Capacity Plans

The proposed airports will be designed with modern infrastructure, including:

• Domestic and potential future international flight terminals
• Cargo terminals to support local businesses and exports
• Basic and advanced navigation and air traffic control systems
• Passenger lounges, check-in counters, immigration (if upgraded later), and baggage systems
• Runways capable of handling narrow-body aircraft (e.g., Airbus A320, Boeing 737)

Expected Timeline

• 2024-2025: Feasibility studies, design approvals, and land acquisition
• 2026: Groundbreaking and construction work to begin
• 2028 (Tentative): Completion and operational readiness

Economic and Social Impact

• Job Creation: Thousands of construction, engineering, and operational jobs will be created.
• Boost to Local Economy: Improved air connectivity will attract tourism, trade, and investments.
• Reduced Travel Hassle: Easier access to flights for residents who currently travel long distances to other airports.
• Support to Overseas Pakistanis: Especially for those traveling to and from Mirpur and D.I. Khan, which have a large diaspora presence.

Official Statements

A senior official from the Ministry of Aviation said:

“The government is committed to expanding the country’s aviation network to underserved cities. These new airports will help bridge the gap between remote areas and major urban centers.”

PCAA also mentioned that these projects are aligned with the National Aviation Policy, which encourages regional development and public-private collaboration in infrastructure growth.

Final Thoughts

If successfully executed, these three new airports will mark a major milestone in Pakistan’s aviation infrastructure. They will not only enhance connectivity but also help decentralize air traffic, support local economies, and provide long-term socio-economic benefits to the people of Mirpur, Hyderabad, and D.I. Khan.