Hyderabad Airport, which has remained non-operational for the past 13 years, is set to be reactivated as an alternative airport for emergencies and adverse weather conditions.
According to media reports, work on the project is expected to begin soon. Under the plan, flights scheduled to land in Karachi, Sukkur or Nawabshah could be diverted to Hyderabad Airport during emergencies or severe weather. The airport’s runway will be extended from 7,000 feet to 11,500 feet to enable it to handle Boeing 777 aircraft. The upgrade is also expected to improve passenger facilities for travellers arriving on diverted flights.
Sources said the rehabilitation of the airport could pave the way for the resumption of domestic flights and potentially establish Hyderabad as a regional aviation hub. The airport could also serve as an alternative to Karachi, Nawabshah and Sukkur airports, with passengers transported by road to Karachi and other nearby cities when required.
Consultations with relevant stakeholders are expected regarding the possible launch of regional flights from Hyderabad Airport. The last commercial flight operated from Hyderabad Airport in 2013 was by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).