The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has launched a Rs. 900 million expansion and renovation project at Skardu International Airport to enhance passenger facilities and support the growing tourism industry in Gilgit-Baltistan.
According to the PAA, the project aims to modernize the airport’s infrastructure by expanding the terminal building, increasing passenger handling capacity, and developing new cargo facilities to accommodate rising air traffic and future international flight operations.
As part of the expansion, the airport’s terminal building will be enlarged from 21,000 square feet to 39,000 square feet. The departure lounge capacity will increase threefold, from 300 to 900 passengers, while the arrival lounge will be expanded from 80 to 200 passengers.
To improve passenger processing, the number of check-in counters will rise from six to 10, helping reduce waiting times during busy travel periods. Parking facilities will also be significantly expanded, with capacity increasing from 200 to 600 vehicles.
The project includes the construction of a modern cargo office block, which is expected to enhance cargo handling operations and support commercial activity in the region.
The PAA said the upgraded airport will be better equipped to handle increased domestic and international passenger traffic, improving connectivity to Skardu and strengthening Gilgit-Baltistan’s tourism sector.
PAA spokesperson Saifullah Khan said construction is currently in its initial phase, with line-marking work already underway ahead of major development activities.
