Parachinar Airport Reopens After Prolonged Inactivity
Authorities confirmed on Monday that Parachinar Airport in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram district has been reopened after a prolonged period of inactivity. The revival of the airport was made possible through joint efforts of the Pakistan Army, Frontier Works Organization (FWO), and the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA).
Following extensive rehabilitation and upgrades carried out by the FWO, trial operations were successfully conducted on April 26. According to officials, aviation units of the Pakistan Army completed six successful landing and take-off trials on the runway. The runway has since been declared compliant with professional standards and safety requirements, with its performance evaluated under multiple operational scenarios during testing.
Improved Connectivity and Economic Benefits
With the restoration of the airport, the region is expected to gain improved air connectivity, which officials say will help facilitate travel, support economic activity, and enhance access to remote areas. Authorities added that the operationalisation of the airport would also strengthen emergency response capabilities and enable quicker relief operations in times of need.
Background of the Revival Process
Last year, a joint delegation comprising officials from the PAA and Pakistan International Airlines visited the airport to assess the feasibility of resuming commercial and relief flights. The joint board reviewed infrastructure, technical conditions, and available facilities. On the directives of the Ministry of Defence, an eight-member committee was subsequently formed to oversee the revival process. The committee conducted a feasibility study aimed at restoring regular air operations and improving connectivity for the region.
