ISLAMABAD: The new Islamabad international airport will be operational by Aug 14 next year as 82 per cent of the work on the project has been completed.

“I will inaugurate the new airport on Aug 14, 2017,” said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while chairing a meeting on aviation affairs.

He was briefed on the status and progress of work on airports in different parts of the country, including Bannu and Mansehra.

The prime minister was informed that efforts were being made to complete the airport project within the allocated financial resources.

The project was divided into three main packages — airside, passenger terminal and landside.

Prime Minister Sharif was also briefed on link roads, water facilities, provision of natural gas, electricity and commuting facilities at the new airport.

He was informed that Ramma and Kasana dams would supply water to the new Islamabad airport.

The prime minister expressed the hope that the new Islamabad airport would be an icon of professional excellence. He directed the officials concerned to ensure that all international standards were strictly followed while executing the project.

He said the new airport would be a regional hub of air passengers and travellers.

The prime minister said that the Islamabad-Rawalpindi Metro should be connected to the new airport to facilitate the passengers.

During the meeting, Mr Sharif and others were also briefed on the expansion of Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore.

The prime minister discussed different art designs proposed for the expansion, some of which are a mix of Spanish and Mughal architecture.

He approved of the proposed designs and directed that work should start on the expansion of the airport.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Aviation Secretary Irfan Elahi, Civil Aviation Authority Director General retired Air Marshal Asim Suleman and other senior government officials attended the meeting.

Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2016