The landscape of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is poised for a historic transformation as the Government of Pakistan has officially sanctioned the development of the Mirpur International Airport. Designated as the 70th airport in Pakistan’s aviation network, this project has transitioned from a decades-old vision into a high-priority federal infrastructure reality. The facility is set to become a vital gateway, bridging the geographical gap between the “Little England” of the East and its massive diaspora in the United Kingdom.
Project Overview & Official Sanction
The formal approval of the Mirpur International Airport marks a strategic shift in Pakistan’s regional development policy. Previously a regional proposal, the project has now been elevated to a sanctioned federal priority, backed by the highest levels of government.
- Federal Endorsement: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in collaboration with AJK President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, has provided the executive impetus required to move the project into the active phase.
- Strategic Status: By designating it as the 70th airport in the national network, the federal government has ensured dedicated budgetary allocations and administrative oversight.
- Government Commitment: AJK Minister for Physical Planning and Housing, Yasir Sultan Chaudhry, has confirmed that the airport is no longer a matter of “if” but “when,” citing the project as a cornerstone of the region’s economic roadmap.
Technical Feasibility & Site Selection
A critical milestone was achieved in December 2025 with the completion of the comprehensive feasibility study. This technical assessment was spearheaded by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) to ensure the facility meets international standards.
| Key Feasibility Aspect | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Scope | Engineering for a Category-4E runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777. | |
| Environmental Impact | Comprehensive assessment of the Mirpur topography to minimize ecological disruption while maximizing safety. | |
| Site Selection | Strategic placement to ensure easy access for residents of Mirpur, Bhimber, and Kotli districts. | |
| Completion Date | Technical, topographical, and environmental studies finalized in December 2025. |
Construction Roadmap (FY 2025-26)
Following the finalization of design approvals, the project is entering its active development phase. The government has signaled that a formal groundbreaking ceremony is slated for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Read more: Pakistan approves new international airport in Mirpur, Azad Kashmir
Phased Development Approach:
- Phase I: Land acquisition and perimeter securing, followed by the commencement of terminal building foundations.
- Phase II: Construction of high-load runways and taxiways designed for long-haul international traffic.
- Phase III: Installation of advanced Air Traffic Control (ATC) systems and specialized security infrastructure.
Economic Impact:The construction phase alone is expected to generate thousands of local jobs. Furthermore, the airport is projected to act as a catalyst for the real estate and hospitality sectors in Mirpur, as demand for high-end hotels and commercial hubs near the airport vicinity surges.
The “Little England” Connection
Mirpur is often affectionately referred to as “Little England” due to its profound connection with the United Kingdom. With over 1 million British-Kashmiris tracing their roots back to this specific region, the airport addresses a massive logistical demand.
- Diaspora Advocacy: A coalition of over 20 British lawmakers, led by MP Tahir Ali, has been instrumental in advocating for this project. Their efforts included a joint letter to the Pakistani Prime Minister emphasizing the travel burdens faced by UK constituents.
- Commute Reduction: Currently, travelers from the UK must land at Islamabad International Airport and undergo a 3–4 hour road journey to reach Mirpur. The new airport will provide direct regional access, reducing travel time to minutes.
- Direct Connectivity: The project aims to eventually host direct flights from major UK hubs like Manchester, Birmingham, and London, facilitating seamless travel for the elderly and families.
Aviation Context: Direct UK-Pakistan Flights
The viability of the Mirpur International Airport is underpinned by recent breakthroughs in international aviation. The lifting of the UK Air Safety Committee ban on Pakistani carriers in July 2025 changed the economic landscape for the project.
“The resumption of direct flights between the UK and Pakistan is the final piece of the puzzle for Mirpur. With carriers like PIA already returning to Manchester and London, a dedicated Mirpur terminal ensures these airlines can tap directly into their most loyal passenger base.”
In October 2025, direct flight operations resumed from Manchester to Islamabad. As Mirpur’s infrastructure matures, aviation experts anticipate a shift in flight routes, with airlines prioritizing direct Manchester-Mirpur and Birmingham-Mirpur slots to serve the high-density diaspora market.