Pakistan’s aviation industry has expanded significantly over the years, improving global connectivity, tourism, and trade. This updated guide provides the complete List of All International Airports in Pakistan, including major hubs, newly upgraded airports, and those handling Hajj and cargo operations.
If you are searching for International Airports in Pakistan, planning to book international flights, or looking for airports near your city, this article covers everything in simple and easy language for the Pakistani audience.
All airports are regulated by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA/CAA) and follow international aviation standards set by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA).
How Many International Airports Are There in Pakistan?
Currently, Pakistan has 11 operational international airports. These airports handle:
- Domestic and international flights
- Hajj and Umrah operations
- Air cargo shipping and exports
- VIP and CIP lounges
- International airlines operating in Pakistan
The List of All International Airports in Pakistan includes airports from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Complete List of All International Airports in Pakistan
1. Jinnah International Airport – Karachi
Biggest and Busiest Airport in Pakistan
- Passenger capacity: 12+ million annually
- Over 65 international destinations
- Major hub for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
- Handles 169,000+ metric tons of cargo
Karachi Airport is the backbone of Pakistan’s aviation sector. It has multiple terminals, international counters, business class lounges, and advanced baggage handling systems. If you search for the busiest airport in Pakistan, this is the answer.
2. Islamabad International Airport – Islamabad
Opened in 2018, this is Pakistan’s most modern airport.
- 2 runways (3,600 meters each)
- Airbus A380 capable
- 112 check-in counters
- 15 passenger boarding bridges
- 9 million passenger capacity
It serves diplomatic delegations, overseas Pakistanis, and business travelers. The airport offers fast-track check-in, CIP lounges, cargo bays, food courts, and large parking areas.
3. Allama Iqbal International Airport – Lahore
Second-largest civil airport in Pakistan.
- Three terminals (Main, Hajj, Cargo)
- Major international flight routes to UAE, Saudi Arabia, UK
- Important for Punjab travelers
Lahore Airport supports Hajj flights, export cargo, and regional tourism.
4. Sialkot International Airport – Sialkot
Pakistan’s first privately owned airport built under the Build, Own & Operate (BOO) model.
It supports:
- Sports goods exports
- Surgical instrument shipments
- Overseas Pakistani travel
- Air Freight Unit (AFU)
Sialkot Airport plays a major role in Pakistan’s export triangle.
5. Multan International Airport – Multan
Important for southern Punjab.
- ILS CAT-I system
- ICAO Fire Category-9
- Modern cargo complex
- Direct Hajj operations
It connects Multan to Gulf countries and supports trade growth.
6. Bacha Khan International Airport – Peshawar
Gateway to KPK and Afghanistan region.
- Handles Gulf routes
- Cargo development projects
- Joint civil-military operations
7. Quetta International Airport – Quetta
Recently upgraded runway supports Boeing 777 aircraft. It improves Balochistan’s connectivity and trade.
8. Faisalabad International Airport – Faisalabad
Supports textile exports and industrial trade. Runway reconstruction completed in 2023 to meet international standards.
9. Gwadar International Airport – Gwadar
Part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
- Greenfield airport
- Airbus A380 capability
- Supports Gwadar Port development
- Open-sky policy plans
10. Sheikh Zayed International Airport – Rahim Yar Khan
Declared international in 2009. Supports Abu Dhabi flights and Hajj operations.
11. Skardu International Airport – Gilgit-Baltistan
Officially upgraded to international status in 2021.
- Longest runway in Pakistan (3,657 meters)
- Gateway to Deosai, Hunza, and K2 region
- Boosts tourism in northern Pakistan
Which Is the Biggest Airport in Pakistan?
The biggest and busiest airport in the List of All International Airports in Pakistan is Jinnah International Airport Karachi, based on passenger traffic and cargo volume.
Why International Airports in Pakistan Are Important
International airports in Pakistan:
- Support overseas employment travel
- Handle Hajj and Umrah flights
- Boost tourism and CPEC trade
- Improve export logistics
- Strengthen Pakistan’s aviation sector
FAQ’s
1. How many international airports are there in Pakistan?
Pakistan currently has 11 operational international airports that handle both domestic and international flights, including Hajj and cargo operations.
2. Which is the biggest airport in Pakistan?
Jinnah International Airport in Karachi is the biggest and busiest airport in Pakistan in terms of passenger traffic and cargo handling.
3. Which airport is the busiest in Pakistan?
Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport handles the highest number of passengers and international flight routes annually.
4. Is Skardu Airport international now?
Yes, Skardu Airport was officially upgraded to international status in 2021 and now operates limited international flights.
5. Does Gwadar have an international airport?
Yes, Gwadar has an international airport, and the New Gwadar International Airport project under CPEC is expanding its global connectivity.
6. Which airport in Pakistan handles the most international flights?
Karachi and Islamabad airports handle the majority of international flights, especially to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, UK, and other major destinations.
7. Which international airport is best for Hajj flights in Pakistan?
Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, Karachi, and Rahim Yar Khan airports regularly operate Hajj and Umrah flights.
8. Are there international airports in northern Pakistan?
Yes, Skardu International Airport serves the Gilgit-Baltistan region and supports tourism and limited international operations.
9. Who manages international airports in Pakistan?
All major international airports in Pakistan are regulated and managed by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA).
10. Which cities in Pakistan have international airports?
Major cities with international airports include Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Gwadar, Skardu, and Rahim Yar Khan.
Final Words
This updated List of All International Airports in Pakistan gives you complete, accurate, and easy-to-understand information. Whether you are booking international flights from Pakistan, planning Hajj travel, or shipping export cargo, these airports connect Pakistan to the world.
Pakistan’s aviation industry continues to grow with runway expansion, terminal modernization, cargo complex development, and improved passenger facilities.
