Govt Considers New Airport in Major City

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is considering the establishment of a new international airport in Peshawar and the relocation of the existing Bacha Khan International Airport to a location away from densely populated areas.

The proposal was discussed during a meeting chaired by Peshawar Division Commissioner Riaz Khan Mehsud on Tuesday to prepare initial groundwork for the project.

During the briefing, officials informed participants that approximately 2,500 acres of land would be required for the establishment of a new airport in Peshawar. They emphasized that the selected site should be safe and located away from populated areas.

Participants of the meeting noted that the presence of the current airport within the city has created challenges related to traffic, security and the growing population. In view of these issues, they said relocation of the airport is necessary under the current circumstances.

Several potential locations were discussed for the proposed airport, including Mathani, Azakhel, Surizai, Mamo Khatki, Naaguman and Bara Akakhel.

After reviewing these locations, recommendations for selecting the most suitable site will be submitted to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi and Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Syed Shahab Ali Shah.

The commissioner directed the Deputy Commissioner Peshawar to form a committee under the chairmanship of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) to identify a suitable location for the new airport.

The committee will include officers from the Revenue Department, officials of the Pakistan Airports Authority and other experts. It will conduct a detailed survey of the proposed locations, prepare the initial groundwork and submit its recommendations.