Faisalabad looks to increase business

Chamber chief wants more flights to and from city

FAISALABAD: In an effort to promote Faisalabad’s business operations, the city is looking at its airspace to be utilised in an efficient manner.

While efforts are under way to increase the number of flights to and from the city, Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Rizwan Ashraf said the time was ripe to divert some of the air traffic to the country’s third largest city.

“Efforts directed at the sustainable growth of Faisalabad’s air industry are being made to ensure smooth availability of direct international flights for its residents,” said Ashraf to Fly Dubai Station Manager Rashidul Islam during his visit to FCCI on Wednesday.

He said various airlines have increased their operations in the city with more looking to tap the market.

Discussing the progress of work at the airport, Ashraf told that PC-I for the expansion of airport lounge has been prepared and is expected to be completed within three to four months’ time.

With a large number of air travelers from a total population of 8 million, the improved airport facilities in Faisalabad will not just benefit the travelers but also lessen traffic on the overburdened Lahore airport.

He also disclosed a proposal for building a new airport across 400 acres of land near motorway which was under serious consideration.

In response to a question, he also discussed the visa process for Dubai. He said the embassy does not issue visas and rather tourism companies entrusted with this responsibility provide it on a cash guarantee of Rs200,000 that the visa holder will return back on completion of the allowed period.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 24^th, 2015.

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