The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence has successfully completed the rehabilitation and reopening of Dera Ismail Khan Airport, ending years of operational inactivity. This development marks a key step in the government’s broader initiative to revive neglected regional airports across the country.
Located in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the airport’s restoration aims to improve connectivity in this underserved region. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that essential repairs were made to the runway and technical systems, enabling the airport to support ATR aircraft operations. A vital part of the renovation included building protective embankments to safeguard the airfield from seasonal flash floods, locally known as ‘Rod Kohi,’ which have long impeded regional progress.
This reopening reconnects the local community with major urban centers such as Islamabad and Karachi, enhancing travel and economic opportunities.
In a significant development, the federal government has also approved a large-scale project to construct an International Cargo Airport at Yarik. Spanning 1,817 acres and strategically located near the M-14 Motorway, this facility will be integrated into the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework. It is designed to become a logistics hub facilitating the swift export of agricultural and industrial products, positioning Dera Ismail Khan as a key trade corridor.
This initiative reflects a nationwide trend led by the PAA, which has recently completed similar upgrades at Parachinar Airport and launched new aviation projects in Faisalabad, underscoring a renewed focus on expanding Pakistan’s regional aviation infrastructure.
