In a significant step towards reshaping Pakistan’s aviation sector, the federal government has approved a plan to transfer the management of Islamabad International Airport to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Inter-Governmental Commercial Transactions (CCoIGCT), chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The committee gave the green light to finalise a framework agreement, with a dedicated negotiation team—led by the prime minister’s adviser on privatisation—tasked to settle terms in consultation with the
- Defence
- Finance
- Law
- Privatisation ministries
A Step Toward Economic Revival
Officials said the move is part of Pakistan’s broader economic revival plan, which aims to bring in foreign partners to modernise state assets, reduce inefficiencies, and cut losses at struggling government-run enterprises.
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Outsourcing airport operations, they argue, is not about relinquishing ownership but about improving service standards and attracting investment. Similar arrangements for other major airports are also being considered.
Why Islamabad Airport?
Inaugurated in 2018 as a state-of-the-art facility, Islamabad International Airport has encountered persistent problems, ranging from mismanagement and technical glitches to financial constraints. Many passengers have complained about long queues, poor facilities and inconsistent services.
Authorities keep on hoping that by handing operations to the UAE—known for managing some of the world’s busiest and most efficient airports—Pakistan can bring global expertise into its aviation sector.
A Symbolic Partnership
The deal is being described as a landmark G2G collaboration between Pakistan and the UAE, two nations with longstanding economic and strategic ties. For Pakistan, it is the clear manifestation of a willingness to move beyond traditional bureaucratic management of the major assets and instead embrace international models of efficiency. For the UAE, it is depicting an opportunity to expand its footprint in South Asia’s growing aviation market.
Looking Ahead
While critics may raise queries about bypassing an open bidding process, officials keep on making arguments that the G2G mode ensures transparency, speed, and mutual benefit. The final terms are anticipated to be negotiated in the upcoming weeks.
If successful, the partnership could set an epitome or example to give a modern touch to other airports in Pakistan, by offering better services to the travelers while giving the struggling aviation sector a much-needed lift.