Sialkot Airport to start functioning this year: Baber Iqbal

[Abbas Ali]

SIALKOT, Jan 4 (APP) The Sialkot International Airport (SIA) being completed at a cost of Rs 2 billion would be operational in middle of the current year.

Chairman, Sialkot International Airport, Baber Iqbal said this while talking to APP here on Wednesday afternoon. He said that cargo terminal had been completed while the development work on passengers terminal is in full swing. However, temporary arrangements are being made to accommodate the passengers as the planned construction of passengers terminal will take some time, he added.

Baber Iqbal said that according to an estimate over ten thousand exporters of Sialkot besides a large number of exporters and other passengers of Gujrat, Narowal, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Wazirabad, Jehlum and Mirpur (Azad Kashmir) would be benefited with the completion of this mega project. He said the regular functioning of the airport would not only accelerate the pace of trade and commerce but also help in enhancing the export volume manifold besides creating employment opportunities in the area.

The Sialkot International Airport was being developed on Build, Own and Operate basis and this would be a landmark not only in the history of the export-oriented city but also for the country, he added.

This mega project had a great significance because it was being totally financed by the private sector. The private sector had not built a project of this magnitude and size so far in the country, he observed.

It may be pointed out that Sialkot airport would have the country’s longest runway measuring 3.6 KM and that would provide landing and take off facilities to Boeing 747 and other aircrafts even in misty weather. The SIA would cater to the needs of industrial triangle of Sialkot, Gujranwala and Gujrat. Undoubtedly, the airport will bring a revolutionary change in the socio-economic development of the region.

With the merging of Dry Port, Export Processing Zone and Airport at Sialkot, the importance of the area will further enhance which will ultimately help substantial increase in the exports from the area in future.

The SIA is being developed over 1004 acres of land, about 13 KM to West of Sialkot where best airport facilities would be available besides sufficient space has also been reserved and allocated at airport for Airlines offices, aircraft catering units, ground handling services, cargo warehouses, restaurant and car parking etc.

According to an estimate 60 percent of aircraft movement will be for domestic while 40 percent for the international carriers.

Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

[PK777]

Any pictures of the new airport ?

[Abbas Ali]

Any pictures of the new airport ?

Photos, master plan and other information available on official website of Sialkot Airport:

Website Link: www.sial.com.pk

[Aftab PK786]

Usalamulkium,

Any idea which international flights will fly from and to Sialkot International Airport?

[Aftab PK786]

Usalamulkium,

By viewing progress in the video it looks like Sialkot International Airport may not be ready in time for this year. But my blessings are with them for the good work in transforming and developing my/our country.