Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Aviation Shujaat Azeem has directed the upgrading of the Faisalabad airport within 90 days. STOCK PHOTO
FAISALABAD: Following the announcement of aviation policy recently, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Aviation Shujaat Azeem has directed the upgrading of the Faisalabad airport within 90 days.
“This will pave the way for the start of direct international flights from the airport,” he said while talking to National Assembly member Rana Muhammad Afzal and Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) President Engineer Rizwan Ashraf during a visit to the airport on Thursday.
“On a request of Rana Afzal, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif directed me to visit and facilitate the system in order to accommodate international flights from this airport,” Azeem said.
He visited various sections of the airport including the terminal building, the runway and the apron. He directed that the arrival, departure and VIP lounges, cargo and other sections should be upgraded in accordance with international standards.
“In this regard, instructions have already been issued to the quarters concerned,” he said.
Afzal emphasised that the upgrading of Faisalabad airport was necessary to facilitate travellers from the region in addition to attracting foreign buyers from different countries.
FCCI President Rizwan Ashraf stated Qatar Airways had announced that it would start Faisalabad-Doha flights from July 17. Initially, three flights per week will be started and will be increased on demand.
Other airlines such as flydubai, Etihad and Emirates are also making arrangements to start direct international flights from the city.
Ashraf said the civil aviation in consultation with all stakeholders should take appropriate measures for the expansion of runway and the upgrading of airport lounge.
He assured them of full cooperation of the business community for the renovation of the airport.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 10th, 2015.
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