PESHAWAR (Kamran Ali Shah): The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) is moving forward with plans to establish a new international airport in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s capital, Peshawar, aimed at addressing the growing needs of the region and ensuring safer operations away from densely populated areas.
A high-level Planning and Development team from the PAA on Wednesday met with the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner to discuss the project’s progress and logistics.
A key focus of the discussion was the land acquisition, with the PAA estimating that approximately 2,500 acres will be required for the new airport. Several locations are currently under consideration, with Matni, Azakhel, and Nagman among the sites being evaluated. The selection process prioritises safety and minimising impact on the local population.
To expedite the process, a joint committee comprising representatives from the PAA and the district administration has been formed. This committee is tasked with conducting initial homework, evaluating the suitability of the proposed locations, and determining the most feasible option for the new airport.
The committee is expected to meet again in three weeks to review the progress made on the project and make further recommendations. The establishment of a new international airport in Peshawar is seen as a crucial step towards enhancing connectivity, boosting economic growth, and improving the overall safety of aviation operations in the region.
