Karachi: Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has launched a project to expand Skardu International Airport to equip Skardu, the country’s important tourist hub, with modern air facilities. The project aims to provide better, comfortable and world-class facilities to passengers, keeping in mind the increasing influx of domestic and foreign tourists.
According to a spokesperson for the Pakistan Airports Authority, the airport terminal building will be significantly expanded under the project, the area of which will be increased from the current 21,000 square feet to 39,000 square feet. This expansion is expected to significantly increase the overall operational capacity of the airport.
The project will also develop the departure lounge on modern lines, where the seating capacity of passengers will be increased from 300 to 900 people. Similarly, the capacity of the arrival lounge will also be increased from 80 to 200 passengers to provide more convenience to tourists and other passengers.
The spokesperson said that keeping in mind the needs of business and special passengers at the airport, executive lounges will also be constructed in both the departure and arrival sections, while the number of check-in and briefing counters will be increased from 6 to 10 to provide better services to passengers during rush hours.
Under the project, the parking capacity of vehicles is also being significantly increased, which will increase from 200 to 600 vehicles. In addition, a cargo office block compatible with modern requirements will also be constructed, which is expected to boost commercial activities and air cargo operations in the northern regions.
According to the Pakistan Airports Authority, the construction project is currently in its early stages, and the process of line marking is underway with initial preparations at the site. After the completion of the project, the capacity of Skardu International Airport will increase significantly, which is expected to not only boost tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan but also benefit the country’s air connectivity and the local economy.
Experts say that Skardu is among the fastest-growing tourist destinations in Pakistan, where the increasing number of tourists every year is further highlighting the need for modern and extensive air facilities. The new expansion project is being described as a significant development in the context of this need.
