Kundi pushes revival of DI Khan airport

Governor seeks swift restoration of commercial flights

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Friday visited Dera Ismail Khan Airport and directed authorities to expedite efforts for its revival as a fully functional commercial facility.

Airport officials accorded a warm welcome to the Governor upon his arrival. Senior officials of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) briefed him in detail about the airport's current status, ongoing rehabilitation work, and future requirements.

Speaking to the media after the briefing, Governor Kundi thanked Defence Minister Khawaja Asif for his positive statement regarding Dera Ismail Khan Airport. "We are actively working to make the airport operational for commercial flights," he said. He revealed that carpeting of the runway has already been completed, while remaining works are being fast-tracked to make the facility suitable for ATR aircraft operations.

The Governor noted that the airport was closed in 2015 and stressed the need for immediate steps to address shortages of equipment and trained staff. "An audit and comprehensive safety assessment of the airport is essential," he added. He expressed hope that Defence Minister Khawaja Asif would soon deliver good news regarding the full restoration of commercial operations.

Governor Kundi said that during his meeting with South Air officials, matters relating to resumption of flights to Dera Ismail Khan and Chitral would be discussed. He also announced plans to encourage private airlines to operate in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

On the proposed new Greenfield International Airport, the Governor disclosed that it would be constructed on over 1,700 acres of land and designed to handle one million passengers annually. He rejected suggestions to shift the airport to Pezu, Lakki Marwat, or Bannu, stating that a location near Yark would be more suitable and beneficial for the entire region.

The Governor also announced that work on the dual carriageway of N-55 Dera Prova Road would begin soon, as tenders for the project have already been finalized.

Touching upon other issues, Governor Kundi strongly criticized the ban on wheat, terming it "excessive and a violation of the Constitution."

Commenting on recent political developments, he observed that the former Chief Minister had approached the same people he once heavily criticized. "Even if the Constitutional Court gives any decision regarding restoration, the final decision will be made by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)," he said. He added that no draft of the 28th Constitutional Amendment has been presented so far, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) thoroughly reviews every constitutional matter before offering its suggestions.

The Governor's visit and statements signal a renewed official push to improve aviation infrastructure and connectivity in southern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, which has long suffered from limited air travel facilities. Local stakeholders have welcomed the development, hoping it will boost trade, tourism, and economic activity in the region.