Pakistan’s aviation landscape is all set for a major upgrade, as the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) pushes forward with plans to establish new airports in three cities—Mirpur in Azad Kashmir, Dera Ismail Khan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Hyderabad in Sindh.
These projects is depicting a broader national push to improve connectivity, create economic development, and make air travel more accessible to millions.
Airport construction in Mirpur
As per the official sources, planning for the new Mirpur airport is reached an advanced stage, with feasibility studies nearly complete and land acquisition already underway. It’s been several years since the masses of Azad Kashmir have encountered limited options for travel, which depend on long, arduous road journeys.
The airport is intended to alter that reality, which is offering faster links to some of the major cities like Islamabad and Lahore, and even international destinations in the long run.
Airport construction in Dera Ismail Khan
Meanwhile, Dera Ismail Khan is also on the map for a brand-new airport. Authorities hope it will address persistent connectivity challenges in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and parts of adjoining Balochistan and Punjab. For most people, this development is not just a runway—it guarantees
- Improved access to healthcare
- Education
- Business opportunities
- Faster emergency response during disasters
In Hyderabad, officials have been given instructions to commence commercial flight operations and set up an aviation training school.
Read more: Lahore Airport to close daily for 3 hours amid bird strike risks during monsoon
This move not only plays a role in assisting in reviving a dormant airport but also plays a role by making investments in the next generation of aviation experts. Local youth will get new career paths close to home, reducing the need to migrate to Karachi or other cities for training.
Another plan is to reconstruct Sukkur Airport
The plan also includes a major reconstruction of Sukkur Airport. Officials are intending to convert it into a regional hub for Sindh’s northern belt. Once complete, Sukkur’s upgraded facility is likely to manage larger aircraft and higher passenger volumes, which will offer a lifeline for
- Business travelers
- Tourists
- Families living in the wider region
Impacts of building new airports:
These projects keep on guaranteeing broad social and economic benefits. Farmers and small traders will be capable to access distant markets more easily. Medical evacuations and supply chains for perishable goods will improve. Tourism in scenic Azad Kashmir and historical Sindh could be able to get a boost, creating local jobs in hotels, transport, and services.
Furthermore, building and maintaining these airports will itself help in creating employment, from construction workers to airline staff. International consultants from Japan and Switzerland are showing support for planning and design, ensuring global standards.
All-inclusively, the initiative is strongly depicting a new dedication to balanced regional development, promising to bring neglected areas into the national economic mainstream and improve quality of life for millions.