The upgrading of Sukkur and Dera Ismail (DI) Khan airports to international status has been announced by Aviation Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique.
Details indicate that the aviation minister made the announcement today on the floor of the National Assembly (NA). Saad Rafique stated that the preparatory work for the upgrading of both Sukkur and DI Khan airports has been finished. He mentioned that the Karachi Airport’s runway will soon be upgraded while announcing the internationalization of the airports in Sukkur and Dera Ismail (DI) Khan. The federal minister emphasized that airports have historically been built for political reasons at the state’s expense, costing billions of rupees.
He added that the DI Khan airport would be a brand-new structure in the area and a green field project. He proceeded by saying that as soon as viability reports are obtained, the upgrade work will begin. To lessen the loss of Pakistan International Airlines, Saad Rafique further stated that the government was making an effort to lease small aircraft with a capacity of 80 to 100 people. It was previously stated that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has expedited the procedure for giving Sukkur Airport international status while the survey for the airport’s expansion was already complete.
According to CAA officials, the survey for the expansion of Sukkur Airport to make it an international airport has been completed and its report has been filed. For the airport’s expansion, Rs. 8 billion has been set in the budget. Sources claim that the Sukkur Airport would get a new runway and terminal building.
 Khan airports to international status has been announced by Aviation Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique.){kind=link}