Upgraded facilities: ‘Old’ Islamabad airport gets Rs460m makeover

Domestic, international departure lounges have been upgraded.

ISLAMABAD: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has spend Rs460 million to upgrade facilities and fast-track services to international and domestic passengers at the Benazir Bhutto International Airport (BBIA).

The airport now has a new taxiway delta, to allow the aircraft exit the runway after landing, resultantly vacating it for other aero planes to land or take-off.

The up-gradation of the airport would better facilitate the passengers, till the completion of the new Islamabad airport at Fateh Jang, sources said here on Thursday.

The CAA has up-graded Rawal Lounge, domestic and international departure lounges, the fast-track building and other facilities at the airport.

The airport now has increased, improved parking for 700 vehicles, besides a dedicated 375 car parking for the staff, wheel-chair access to the entire building, dedicated toilets for the disabled, free Wi-Fi, and declaring the entire airport a smoke-free zone.

Moreover, the number of airline counters has been increased from 20 to25 and immigration counters from 10 to 12.

The number of public toilets has been doubled and improved to meet international standards.

The taxiway alone would help save around Rs120 million within the next couple of months alone.

Services of leading national architects were hired for improvement of the facilities, and to ensure quick clearance of passengers during peak rush hours. 

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