Jinnah International Airport has activated all 20 immigration departure counters to improve passenger flow and reduce waiting times, officials confirmed on Saturday. The move is aimed at ensuring smoother travel operations, especially during peak hours.
Deputy Director of Immigration Shehzad Akbar stated that full staffing at all counters during busy hours has significantly reduced the average immigration clearance time to nearly one minute per passenger.
He further shared that a pre-departure clearance counter is now operational, allowing travelers to complete immigration formalities days before their scheduled flight to avoid last-minute rush and delays.
Authorities revealed that additional improvements are in the pipeline, including the installation of e-gates and the launch of a dedicated mobile application to further streamline departure procedures.
Officials also highlighted that recent steps by the Airport Security Force (ASF) to restrict the entry of non-travelers beyond certain points have helped reduce congestion in the departure area. During peak travel periods, some domestic lounge counters are temporarily allocated for international departures to provide airlines with extra boarding space.
The latest measures are part of broader efforts to modernize airport operations and enhance passenger experience in Karachi. With increasing international and domestic travel, airport authorities are focusing on efficiency, digital solutions, and better crowd management to meet growing demand.
