Pakistan plans major airport upgrades as Shehbaz Sharif targets Karachi air cargo hub

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved plans to expand Jinnah International Airport in Karachi and Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore directing authorities to improve passenger facilities and bring airport services in line with international standards.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved plans to expand Jinnah International Airport in Karachi and Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore directing authorities to improve passenger facilities and bring airport services in line with international standards.

The decisions were announced after a meeting chaired by the prime minister in Islamabad on Thursday. According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) the meeting reviewed airport development projects, passenger services and measures to modernise the country’s aviation infrastructure.

A key objective is to establish Karachi as a major air cargo hub through the development of an air cargo village. Work on the project is already underway the PMO said.

Shehbaz directed officials to ensure that expansion projects meet international requirements with no compromise on construction quality. He also called for independent third-party assessments of reforms to ensure that the improvements meet the required standards.

The meeting was briefed on a survey conducted by an international firm to evaluate travel facilities at major Pakistani airports. The prime minister stressed that improving the passenger experience should remain a top priority and instructed authorities to seek assistance from internationally recognised institutions.

He also called for regular training of airport staff and officers to improve service delivery, alongside better coordination among the agencies operating at airports. The prime minister further directed officials to ensure high-quality food and beverages for travellers saying catering standards must not be compromised.

Progress on other aviation projects was also reviewed. The meeting was informed that the runway expansion at Jinnah International Airport had been completed while work was continuing on automated border management systems including electronic gates at major airports.

The Federal Investigation Agency has increased its staffing and counter facilities to improve passenger handling. Pre-departure guidance desks have also been established at major airports while a meet-and-greet service has been introduced at Islamabad International Airport.

The government is also working to upgrade an existing aviation institution in Hyderabad into an international-standard aviation university. According to the PMO, work on the project is expected to begin by February 2028.

Earlier this month, Shehbaz also directed authorities to install smart scanners at all international airports to make passenger processing easier.

The latest measures form part of the government’s broader effort to modernise aviation facilities improve travel services and strengthen Pakistan’s capacity to handle air cargo and international passenger traffic.