Karachi, September 9, 2026: Dera Ghazi Khan Airport is expected to become capable of handling Airbus A320 and A321 operations by the end of next year following completion of its ongoing airside upgradation, a senior Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) official said on Wednesday.
Deputy Director General Works and Development, PAA, Sumair Saeed, said the upgrade was expected to be completed before the end of 2027 while speaking at the PAA’s e-Kacheri, which provided passengers and members of the public an opportunity to raise complaints and suggest improvements to airport facilities and services.
He said the need to upgrade the airport’s terminal had also been examined, but its existing capacity was currently considered adequate to handle A320 operations.
Speaking about Karachi Airport, Saeed said major renovation work was being planned along with measures to improve flight scheduling and slot management, while further expansion was also envisaged.
He said the PAA had already provided land and issued a no-objection certificate for the Red Line bus service, which would pass near Karachi Airport and facilitate passengers travelling to and from the facility.
The official also directed Peshawar Airport management and the Commercial Directorate to explore transport arrangements for passengers and employees travelling between the airport and a nearby security checkpoint. The Director Commercial suggested that such a service could be arranged through a tender.
Several human-resource issues were also discussed during the e-Kacheri. Officials said suggestions regarding selection criteria would be considered and placed before the Executive Committee, while tests for advertised posts would be held after completion of the ongoing rationalisation process.
Participants were also informed that retainership salaries had been increased by 100 per cent last year, with a further increase under consideration.
Passenger complaints relating to airline services, ticketing, flight delays and commercial facilities were also taken up. Saeed directed the concerned authorities to investigate the complaints and engage the relevant airlines where necessary, while matters requiring regulatory action would be referred to the competent authority.
Other issues raised by participants included parking charges, food and retail facilities, drinking water and photocopying services, airport access, school visits and employment opportunities.
Concluding the session, Saeed thanked the participants and said public feedback was important for improving airport operations and passenger services. He added that the suggestion to increase the duration of the e-Kacheri would also be considered.
