Bannu Airport Expansion Approved

[Abbas Ali]

According to PTV News, Expansion of Bannu Airport has been approved by the government of Pakistan.

The project is probably related to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Currently Bannu Airport is not served by scheduled flights of any airline.

In the past PIA operated scheduled passenger flights between Bannu and Peshawar with Fokker F27 Friendship turboprop aircraft.

Abbas

[TAILWIND]

I dont think it is linked to CPEC. May be it for the social and economic uplift of the area after years of war in area.

[Abbas Ali]

Today Prime Minister announced to upgrade & make Bannu an international airport.

Abbas

[uzairali]

Don't think emirates will serve it, a330/777 being too big for it.

Likely Qatar with a320 or air arabia.

Though I think Bannu needs other facilities more than an airport.

[PKPANL]

Today Prime Minister announced to upgrade & make Bannu an international airport.

May be only promise or like fake gas inauguration of gas in Hazara.

[raihans]

what type of expansion is approved by the GOP? is it a related to terminal building, runway extension for larger aircraft to operate or what exactly?

if PIA is not operating at the moment, will the PIA be forced to operate or airport will be expanded without any flight services?

[Abbas Ali]

According to PTV News, Bannu Airport was opened for flight operations in 1983 and is currently used for emergency flight diversions only.

After upgrading & expansion of the airport, people from Bannu and adjacent areas will be able to travel from the airport on direct domestic and international flights. Presently people from Bannu and adjacent areas have to use Peshawar Airport for air travel.

Current condition of Bannu Airport shown on PTV News:


Bannu Airport terminal building with Arrivals and Departures areas doors with Air Traffic Control (ATC) on top of the building.




Arrivals signboard.





Abbas

[jam2k94]

Just political drama of PM

[Abbas Ali]

Currently Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has only one international airport in the shape of Peshawar Airport. I think population of the province deserves more than one international airport.

Development of airports like Bannu and/or Dera Ismail Khan for jet flight operations may attract low-cost gulf carriers like Air Arabia and flydubai and even other airlines like Gulf Air and Qatar Airways with narrow-body aircraft flights. PIA might also be able to find enough passenger load to operate domestic flights with ATR and international flights to Saudi Arabia and other gulf states with A320 aircraft.

Authorities should also try to encourage establishment of flight schools, commuter airlines, general aviation activities like aircraft maintenance and scenic flight operations at such smaller airports.

Landside of the airport should be offered on lease for improvement of terminal building and allied facilities.

Abbas

[Abbas Ali]

Work on Bannu Airport project will start next month, according to PTV News.

Abbas

[Abbas Ali]

Bannu Airport survey work has been completed and construction work will start soon, according to PTV News.

Abbas

[Abbas Ali]

Work on international airport project in Bannu has been started, according to statement of Minister for Housing and Works Akram Khan Durrani on PTV News.

Abbas

[Abbas Ali]

The Central Develo­pment Working Party (CDWP) on February 12, 2018, approved extension and up gradation of Bannu Airport for Airbus A320/Boeing 737 jet aircraft operations at a cost of 715 million rupees.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1389000

Abbas

[Abbas Ali]

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has allocated Rs 675.980 million for Extension/Upgradation of Bannu Airport for Airbus A320/Boeing 737 or Equivalent Aircraft Operation Phase-1 (Land Acquisition Bannu).

Source: brecorder.com

[Abbas Ali]

According to news sources:

Government of Pakistan has decided to rehabilitate/reconstruct Bannu Airport which is inactive since twenty years.

The airport's terminal building and allied facilities will be renovated and runway will be reconstructed and extended.

Reopening of the airport will promote tourism in the region and offer convenient air travel to overseas Pakistanis.

Abbas