ISLAMABAD, October 29, 2026 — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved plans to expand Karachi and Lahore airports, directing aviation authorities to improve passenger facilities and ensure that development work meets international standards.
The decision followed a meeting in Islamabad on Thursday that reviewed airport infrastructure, passenger services and ongoing aviation projects.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, expansion work at both airports will follow their respective master plans. Authorities have also been instructed to complete construction within the prescribed timelines.
Sharif stressed the need for independent assessments and ordered third-party validation of infrastructure improvements and passenger-service reforms.
During the meeting, officials said runway expansion work at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport had already been completed.
They also reported progress on the installation of automated electronic gates at major airports, a measure intended to improve passenger processing and border management.
Another project under development is an Air Cargo Village, which is intended to strengthen Karachi’s position as a regional air-freight centre.
The Civil Aviation Authority informed the meeting that 14 airports had been made operational during the previous year to facilitate domestic flights.
Participants also reviewed the findings of an international survey of passenger facilities at major Pakistani airports.
Sharif directed aviation agencies to coordinate more closely, arrange regular staff training and improve the quality of food and other passenger services.
The proposed expansions could increase airport capacity and support both passenger and cargo operations.
For travellers, the eventual benefits will depend on how effectively the projects are carried out, services are improved and the planned facilities are completed.