Islamabad Airport to Get Three New Aviation Facilities

Pakistan is moving ahead with plans to establish its first European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)-approved Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Islamabad International Airport as part of a broader effort to strengthen the country’s aviation infrastructure.

The MRO center will be developed by private aviation services company NORTEK with administrative support from the Pakistan Airports Authority and regulatory oversight from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority.

After obtaining EASA approval, the facility will provide base maintenance and component support for Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aircraft while expanding Pakistan’s aircraft engineering capabilities and creating skilled employment opportunities.

Separately, Airblue is constructing an EASA-standard aircraft maintenance hangar at Islamabad International Airport. The facility will provide all-weather protection for aircraft, maintenance equipment, and technical staff while supporting the airline’s engineering operations. It may also offer maintenance services to other domestic airlines operating Airbus A320-family aircraft, reducing the need for overseas repairs.

The airline is also developing a Flight Training Center equipped with a full-flight simulator and modern classrooms for type-rating and recurrent pilot training. The facility is tentatively scheduled for completion in April 2027 and is expected to help address the shortage of trained pilots while reducing the need for overseas training.