Latest news with #SkarduInternationalAirport


Business Recorder
20 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Govt launches Rs180mn Skardu International Airport upgrade project
The government has formally launched the upgrade project of Skardu International Airport, marking a key milestone in strengthening air connectivity and unlocking the economic potential of Gilgit-Baltistan. The formal launch event took place at a local resort in Skardu, where the joint venture consultancy, comprising Swiss firm Intairplan and its Pakistani partners, presented their strategic roadmap for the airport's development. Australian HC team assesses Skardu Int'l Airport Senior officials from the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) attended the meeting, including the Director Planning & Development, the Additional Director Project Monitoring, Project Director Skardu International Airport, and the Airport Manager Skardu. Reforms in aviation sector reviewed: PM for further improvement in facilities at airports Representatives from the local administration, armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholder institutions were also present. According to officials, the design consultancy for the upgrade has been awarded at a cost of Rs180 million. Construction work is expected to begin within a year, following the completion of the detailed design and PC-1. Stakeholders expressed unanimous support for the project and commended the PAA's efforts in positioning Skardu as a hub for international tourism and trade. The project is expected to boost regional development by enhancing air connectivity and enabling broader economic integration. The Skardu International Airport Upgrade Project is being hailed as a transformative step toward promoting sustainable growth and global accessibility in the mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan.


Business Recorder
20 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Govt launches Skardu International Airport upgrade project
The government has formally launched the upgrade project of Skardu International Airport, marking a key milestone in strengthening air connectivity and unlocking the economic potential of Gilgit-Baltistan. The formal launch event took place at a local resort in Skardu, where the joint venture consultancy, comprising Swiss firm Intairplan and its Pakistani partners, presented their strategic roadmap for the airport's development. Australian HC team assesses Skardu Int'l Airport Senior officials from the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) attended the meeting, including the Director Planning & Development, the Additional Director Project Monitoring, Project Director Skardu International Airport, and the Airport Manager Skardu. Reforms in aviation sector reviewed: PM for further improvement in facilities at airports Representatives from the local administration, armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholder institutions were also present. According to officials, the design consultancy for the upgradation has been awarded at a cost of Rs180 million. Construction work is expected to begin within a year, following the completion of the detailed design and PC-1. Stakeholders expressed unanimous support for the project and commended the PAA's efforts in positioning Skardu as a hub for international tourism and trade. The project is expected to boost regional development by enhancing air connectivity and enabling broader economic integration. The Skardu International Airport Upgradation Project is being hailed as a transformative step toward promoting sustainable growth and global accessibility in the mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan.


Business Recorder
28-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Australian HC team assesses Skardu Int'l Airport
KARACHI: A high-level delegation from the Australian High Commission in Islamabad conducted a comprehensive assessment of Skardu International Airport, evaluating the facility's operational capabilities and safety measures for Australian travellers visiting Pakistan's northern tourism region. According to the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), the three-member delegation, led by Second Secretary and Consul Scott Gordon Macdonald-Golden, carried out detailed inspections of the airport's infrastructure and emergency response systems. The visit focused primarily on ensuring adequate safety protocols and support systems are in place for Australian nationals, particularly the growing number of tourists attracted to the scenic northern regions of Pakistan accessible through Skardu. During their assessment, the delegation conducted thorough tours of both arrival and departure terminals, observing passenger processing procedures and receiving detailed briefings on the airport's emergency preparedness protocols and security arrangements. The team also evaluated general passenger amenities and facilities. The Australian officials expressed satisfaction with the airport's standards, particularly commending its cleanliness, organizational efficiency, and overall service quality. The positive assessment reflects well on the airport's readiness to handle international travellers safely and efficiently. Skardu International Airport, managed by PAA, serves as a crucial gateway for tourism development in Pakistan's northern region, PAA spokesman said, adding that the facility is continuing enhancing its capabilities to accommodate both domestic and international passengers as tourism to the area grows. The inspection visit underscores the importance of maintaining international safety and service standards as Pakistan's tourism sector expands, particularly in remote but increasingly popular destinations like Skardu and the surrounding mountain regions. Officials from both sides indicated that the assessment would help strengthen cooperation in ensuring the safety and comfort of Australian tourists visiting Pakistan's northern areas, which have become increasingly popular destinations for adventure tourism and mountaineering activities. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025