PESHAWAR, Sept 22: The plan to build a new airport in Peshawar has apparently run into snags again due to differences of opinion among decision-makers about the economic viability of the project, Dawn has learnt.

The premise that no increase in air traffic on this sector is expected in the near future has made the planners focus on the option of expanding and improving facilities at the existing airport.

The question of economic viability of the project, according to the sources, cropped up during a series of meetings held recently between the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and senior development planners of the province.

"The CAA and development planners of other agencies concerned are looking into the feasibility of the project that would require a multi-billion rupee investment," said an official source.

At the same time, the planners were also considering the option of expanding the existing facility, said the sources.

According to official sources, the decision whether to go for a new airport or improve the existing one will be taken by a committee comprising senior officers of the CAA, the provincial government and other agencies.