KARACHI: Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) is progressing with an upgrade of air traffic management infrastructure at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport and Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport.
The project covers the installation of modern Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems and Voice Communication and Control Systems (VCCS) at the two area control centres.
According to official project documents, the upgrade is intended to replace ageing equipment, strengthen aircraft monitoring and improve coordination between air traffic controllers and pilots.
The new infrastructure will also provide additional air traffic control capacity and modern operational tools to manage increasing aircraft movements across Pakistan’s airspace.
Public Procurement Regulatory Authority tender records show procurement for air traffic management and communication systems designed to meet International Civil Aviation Organization standards, with a listed bid opening date of September 10, 2026.
The broader upgrade has been reported at approximately Rs10 billion. Earlier Planning Commission documentation recorded an approved cost of Rs3.63 billion for a related project. The latest reported cost has not been independently confirmed against updated project approvals.
The modernisation forms part of PAA’s programme to strengthen aviation infrastructure and air navigation services across Pakistan.