According to media reports, the Pakistani government has decided to lease the new Islamabad International Airport to international investors in the beginning. This decision comes after facing difficulties in outsourcing two other airports in Karachi and Lahore. The new Islamabad airport is considered a favorable choice for outsourcing as it is considered a “clean” transaction. The government aims to move forward with this process as soon as possible.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has mentioned interested parties in managing all three airports in their presentation to Finance Minister Ishaq Dar. However, there are practical challenges that need to be addressed before handing over the airports to international entities.
One challenge is the debts of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), which may impact the provision of free facilities to the airline by the new airport operator. Additionally, certain sections of the airports in Karachi and Lahore are currently occupied by relevant agencies, requiring a permanent solution to enable potential investors to use the entire airport for commercial purposes.
Addressing these practical issues and ensuring a smooth transition is crucial before proceeding with the outsourcing of the airports. The government has not yet started the advertising process for outsourcing but is actively working to find solutions to the raised concerns. This will allow for effective management and commercial utilization of these airports.
