Pakistan Airport Authority ( PAA) - News
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ghazi52
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Prime Minister appoints Nadir Shafi Dar as new DG of Civil Aviation Authority
Nadir Shafi Dar’s appointment has been confirmed for a three-year termNews Desk
October 09, 2024
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Nadir Shafi Dar as the new director general of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Nadir Shafi’s appointment has been confirmed for a three-year term, with the official notification issued by the government on Wednesday, Express News reported.
Nadir Shafi Dar, who had been serving as the acting director general, was selected after a comprehensive process involving interviews of 11 shortlisted candidates. Last month, the final stage of interviews for the DG CAA position was completed, with Dar emerging as the preferred candidate.
One of the major challenges awaiting the new DG will be the restoration of flight operations by Pakistani airlines to the UK and Europe. This issue has been a critical concern following the suspension of flights by European and British aviation authorities.
The appointment of Nadir Shafi comes at a crucial time for Pakistan’s aviation sector, as the CAA continues to work on reforms to ensure compliance with international standards.
The CAA director general’s role is appointed for a fixed term of three years, during which Nadir Shafi will be expected to address several challenges facing the sector.
Last month, the process to appoint a new Director General (DG) of CAA was advanced, with 11 candidates being shortlisted for interviews.
The shortlisted individuals also included Nadir Shafi Dar, who was the acting DG of the CAA.
The interviews were scheduled to take place later in Sptember at the Ministry of Aviation, under the chairmanship of the aviation minister.
Earlier, the aviation ministry had advertised the vacancy in newspapers to attract qualified candidates.
ghazi52
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During the 1960s, Karachi Airport earned the title “The Gateway to Asia,” becoming a major transit hub connecting East and West. As one of the busiest airports in the region, it played a key role in international travel and commerce, welcoming travelers from around the world and boosting Pakistan’s global presence.
ghazi52
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New Gwadar International Airport set to begin operations by month-end: PAA
December 6, 2024
The state-of-the-art airport, built with $246 million in Chinese assistance under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), features a world-class terminal and a runway capable of handling large aircraft. The project is expected to drive economic growth and enhance regional connectivity.
KARACHI: Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) reiterated its commitment to operationalising the New Gwadar International Airport (NGIAP) by the end of this month, the PAA said a in press release on Thursday.
To review the operational readiness of the airport, acting PAA Director General Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, accompanied by Deputy DG Airports Engr Sadiqur Rehman and Project Director Engr Faizullah Khattak visited Gwadar on Thursday.
The visit aimed to engage with representatives of the key stakeholders, including the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA), Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), Gwadar Chamber of Commerce, Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Army, and others.
During the visit, Khattak briefed the delegation and representatives of the stakeholders on the state-of-the-art features of the airport and its vast potential for fostering business and investment opportunities, the press release added.
“Expressing satisfaction over the airport’s readiness, AVM Zeeshan Saeed commended the project team for their efforts. He reaffirmed PAA’s commitment to operationalising the airport by the end of this month,” the press release read.
The New Gwadar International Airport, a flagship project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is poised to become a major driver of economic growth and regional connectivity.
Built with Chinese assistance at an estimated cost of $246 million, the airport is equipped with modern facilities, including a world-class terminal building and a runway capable of accommodating large aircraft.
ghazi52
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New Gwadar International Airport: Muscat flights to begin from January 10
BR Web Desk
December 30, 2024
Flight operations from Gwadar to Muscat are set to commence on January 10, 2025, at the New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA), it was learnt during a key meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Monday.
According to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Shehbaz hailed the new airport as “a shining example of China-Pakistan friendship”.
“We are grateful to our great friend China for building an airport equipped with international standards and modern facilities,” he said, emphasising that the operationalisation of NGIA will bring prosperity to the region and create employment opportunities.
The NGIAP, a flagship project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), represents an investment of $246 million and was built with Chinese assistance.
During the meeting, the premier directed authorities to formulate a comprehensive strategy to transform NGIA into a busy transit point.
He called for improving the connectivity between NGIA and other areas of the country, especially Balochistan province.
The meeting was briefed in detail on the operationalisation of New Gwadar International Airport.
It was noted that NGIA is Pakistan’s largest airport by area, capable of handling A-380 aircraft while having the capacity to manage 4 million passengers annually.
The Pakistan Airport Authority (PPA) issued an aerodrome certificate to NGIA, while the Pakistan Customs also notified the airport.
Staff of PAA, Airport Security Force, Pakistan Customs, Anti-Narcotics Force, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Border Health Service have been deployed at the airport.
During the briefing, it was informed that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will soon commence thrice-weekly flight operations between Karachi and Gwadar.
Moreover, discussions are ongoing with Pakistan’s private airlines, and airlines from China, Oman and UAE to launch domestic and international flight operations from Gwadar.
Additionally, all banks registered with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) have been contacted regarding establishing bank branches and installing ATMs at the airport.
It was told that to improve road connectivity with NGIA, the first part of the East-Bay Expressway has been completed while the feasibility of the second part is in progress.
i guarantee you there wont even be enough flights to fill the first page of a departures/arrivals board. Shining example of a dodgy deal.
Chinese give us a loan, we use that loan to fly in chinese workers to build unneeded infrastructure projects then pay for them lol
Hussain
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ideally the Chinese should have given us a grant, not a loan, but we have haramkhors by the ton....
even a grant would have been useless, it would have meant wed need to pay for the upkeep of this thing.
IK promised hed look into the dodgy deals, i had hopes, but they faltered too when he just took on more Chinese debt.
When we talk about these deals, you tend to just invoke the anti west crowd who scream and cry about ot being american propaganda, but is it really, is it really propaganda when see see how one sided and unfair these deals are- infact, even if we used local labor, i guess, its a little better, but without even that, these deals are SO SO SO unfair its unreal. Our project costs are greater than India and Iran's, its clear some favorite companies of the CCP were given contracts and a blank cheque at the expense of the Pakistani taxpayer...
,
Hussain
Trusted Member
True.
Unfortunately, each time a development project is launched, first thought that comes to mind is, how much corruption is involved....
ghazi52
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The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has officially approved the construction of a new Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower and a Rescue Fire Fighting (RFF) complex at Jinnah International Airportin Karachi. This decision was made during a recent board meeting aimed at enhancing airport infrastructure and safety measures.
The approval for the new ATC tower and fire station at Karachi Airport marks a significant step forward in modernizing Pakistan's aviation infrastructure. By addressing current limitations and enhancing safety measures, this project aims to support the growing demands of air travel while ensuring compliance with international standards. As construction progresses, it will play a crucial role in improving operational efficiency at Jinnah International Airport.
Key Details
- Modernization Efforts: The current ATC tower, which has been in operation for 91 years, is deemed inadequate for modern aviation needs due to height limitations and outdated technology. The new tower is expected to significantly improve visibility and flight safety.
- Project Timeline: The construction of the new ATC tower and fire station is projected to be completed within a year, pending necessary approvals from the Central Tender Working Party (CTWP) due to foreign exchange requirements that account for over 25% of the project’s design cost.
- Fire Safety Enhancements: The establishment of the RFF complex will include modern fire stations and offices, ensuring rapid response capabilities to emergencies at the airport.
- Compliance with Standards: The specifications for the new tower will adhere to international aviation standards, ensuring its effectiveness and compliance with global norms.
- Financial Aspects: The project is part of broader efforts by the PCAA to upgrade airport facilities, which are critical for accommodating increasing air traffic and enhancing overall safety protocols at one of Pakistan's busiest airports.
- Government Support: This initiative reflects the government's commitment to improving aviation infrastructure as part of its development agenda, aiming to boost both domestic and international travel experiences.
The approval for the new ATC tower and fire station at Karachi Airport marks a significant step forward in modernizing Pakistan's aviation infrastructure. By addressing current limitations and enhancing safety measures, this project aims to support the growing demands of air travel while ensuring compliance with international standards. As construction progresses, it will play a crucial role in improving operational efficiency at Jinnah International Airport.
ghazi52
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PAA denies Islamabad airport to be shut for eight days
Flights to only be suspended for two-hour intervals on specific days to facilitate rehearsals for Independence Day
Web Desk
August 10, 2025
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) denied on Sunday media reports claiming Islamabad International Airport will be closed for eight days, terming them “incorrect and misleading”.
The PAA said flight operations will only be suspended for two-hour intervals on specific days to facilitate rehearsals for Independence Day celebrations on August 14, reported PTV citing a statement by the PAA.
According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the PAA, temporary flight restrictions will apply during the following periods:
6–9 August: 11.00am to 1.00pm
11–14 August: 8.00pm to 10.00pm
All other operations will continue as normal. Passengers have been advised to contact their airlines for updated schedules to avoid inconvenience.
The PAA said the temporary closures are part of security and logistical preparations for the official Independence Day fly-past.
Meanwhile, as Pakistan's 78th Independence Day approaches, a wave of green and white is sweeping across the country, exuding patriotic fervour, emotional pride, and historical remembrance.
The national flag flutters atop homes, private and official buildings ahead of Independence Day, and the bazaars and streets are lit with green and white lights in celebration.
ghazi52
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Serene Air grounded as PCAA suspends license
Airline license suspended, grounding all domestic and international flights until further notice
Shazia Tasneem/Usman Hanif
October 04, 2025
A Serene Air plane was damaged by a tug. PHOTO: INP
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority has suspended Serene Air’s Air Operator Certificate, grounding all domestic and international flights with immediate effect.
According to an official notification issued on Friday, Serene Air failed to meet the regulatory requirement of maintaining the minimum prescribed fleet size. At present, the airline has “zero serviceable aircraft available for operations,” making it unfit to sustain safe and reliable flights.
Under such circumstances, the aviation regulator stated, the airline cannot continue to operate in accordance with PCAA rules and regulations.
The order, signed by the Director of Flight Standards, directs Serene Air to surrender its AOC immediately for endorsement. The suspension effectively halts the airline’s entire schedule until further notice.
PCAA spokesperson Air Commodore (retd) Shahid Qadir confirmed the public announcement but gave no further detail. However, a senior PCAA official told The Express Tribune the airline was repeatedly warned to restore part of its fleet or face action. “They failed to comply, leaving us no choice but to suspend the AOC and issue a public notice so people are aware,” he said.
The airline, which is the first Chinese private investment in Pakistan’s aviation sector and the first private Pakistani airline to operate flights to Beijing, has left many passengers stranded in Saudi Arabia. Despite suspension, agents were still selling tickets, raising concerns over consumer protection, claimed the official.
The source added that Serene Air’s license may be reinstated if aircraft are restored to operational status and a formal request for revival is made. Further action may depend on the airline’s response.
In its defence, Serene Air acknowledged that one aircraft was grounded in Saudi Arabia after a bird strike, stranding passengers overseas. The airline, however, claims it requested special permission from PCAA to bring the aircraft back to Pakistan and repatriate affected travellers.
“Passengers are stuck in Saudi Arabia due to the grounded aircraft, and we have requested the CAA to allow us to bring them home,” a Serene Air official told The Express Tribune on the condition of anonymity. The airline added it intends to resume flights once its aircraft are airworthy again.
Pakistan’s aviation sector has faced similar setbacks before. Shaheen Air International, once the country’s second-largest airline, ceased operations in October 2018 after a financial collapse and unpaid dues of Rs1.5 billion to PCAA. The airline’s owners fled abroad to evade legal action, leaving employees unpaid and passengers stranded, exposing deep-rooted flaws in the aviation sector.
The country’s aviation sector now remains limited to Pakistan International Airlines, Airblue, and Fly Jinnah, which together serve major domestic routes and select international destinations.
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