RAWALPINDI: Senate Standing Committee on Defence Chairman Senator Talha Mahmood and Senator Attaur Rehman Darwish on Tuesday inspected Islamabad International Airport, where they were given a detailed briefing on various issues, including immigration counters, commercial areas, the ATC tower and the fire station.

At the state lounge, the deputy DG airports briefed the visiting senators on PAA operations, airport infrastructure development, management and major projects. Pakistan’s first greenfield airport, built in May 2018, has a capacity of nine million passengers and 100,000 metric tons of cargo per year, with plans to expand capacity to 25 million passengers.

The deputy DG CAA highlighted regulatory affairs, standards and norms set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, as well as safety and security measures. The airport manager presented details on passenger comfort, facilities and various initiatives.

Passenger amenities include digital lost and found services, cashless transactions, grievance redressal and resolution initiatives through QR codes, fast-track services for diplomats and business-class passengers, charging points, free Wi-Fi, mosques, modern baggage handling systems, rainwater harvesting facilities, LED lighting and electric airside vehicles. The director commercial briefed the senators on the airport’s commercial potential, including the upgradation of duty-free shops, food outlets, branded automobile display spots, restaurants, car parking automation, movie theatres, gaming zones and CIP lounges to increase non-aeronautical revenue.

It was stated that prompt action is taken on passenger complaints related to prayer areas, cleanliness, washrooms and leakages, while all 2025 PMDU complaints (41 out of 41) have been resolved. Islamabad International Airport currently maintains a three-star Skytrax rating among Asian airports.

The director security briefed the delegation on security measures, screening procedures and coordination with the Airport Security Force (ASF).

The briefings were followed by an airport tour during which immigration counters, commercial areas, the ATC tower, the fire station and other facilities were inspected. Senator Talha Mahmood appreciated the efforts of PAA, particularly in improving passenger facilities, grievance redressal, infrastructure, security and commercial development.

He said these measures were in line with the development of national civil aviation and international standards.

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2026