Promises Unfulfilled: Gilgit and Skardu Airports Still Lacking Upgrades

Strategic Insights -

Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani's 2009 promise to upgrade the airports in Gilgit and Skardu remains unfulfilled, leaving locals to wonder if it was a mere electioneering tactic. The airports, crucial for tourism and mountaineering expeditions, lack the facilities and infrastructure of international-level airports. The current situation has restricted air travel, limiting tourists' access to the region, and hindering economic development.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Gilgit Airport has a one-kilometre-long runway, which is too short for most mid-sized aircraft, including Boeing 737s and Airbus A320 family, to take-off and land safely.
  • The Skardu Airport, although larger, lacks the necessary facilities and infrastructure of an international-level airport, making it challenging for tourists and mountaineers to access the region.
  • The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates two daily flights using ATR 42 turboprop aircraft between Gilgit and Islamabad, carrying around 40 passengers each.
  • C-130 aircraft are also employed by PIA for sorties to the region.
  • The prime minister's promised upgrades, including a new terminal, more car parks, new runways, and a modern landing system, have not been implemented.
  • The only other way to access the region is through the 24-hour journey through the Karakoram Highway connecting Islamabad to Gilgit.
  • Experts believe that upgrading the airports would significantly boost tourism in the region, making it a hub for mountaineering expeditions and a gateway to three of the world's mightiest mountain ranges.

Statistics:

  • The runway at the Gilgit Airport is one kilometre long.
  • The Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737 aircraft are unable to take-off and land at the Gilgit Airport due to its shorter runway.
  • The PIA operates two daily flights between Gilgit and Islamabad, carrying around 80 passengers.
  • The ATR 42 turboprop aircraft can carry up to 40 passengers per flight.

Sources:

  • Byline: Shabbir Mir (author of the article)
  • Gilgit, Skardu airports still lacking upgrades (unspecified source)
  • Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) (unspecified source)