Islamabad International Airport has discontinued cash transactions at all counters, allowing passengers to settle fees and charges exclusively through mobile and digital payment methods.
This initiative aims to offer a modern, secure, and expedited travel experience.
As stated by the Pakistan Airports Authority, the new system is designed to decrease waiting times, enhance transparency, and optimize airport operations.
The implementation of digital payments is anticipated to simplify travel procedures and reduce manual transaction handling, aligning the airport with international standards.
Officials have stated that ensuring passenger convenience is a primary focus.
The cashless system is expected to improve overall airport services, facilitate more organized and efficient processes, and contribute to the advancement of sophisticated facilities.
Islamabad International Airport to be privatised
Earlier, the government announced that it had commenced an “open bidding” process for a concession to operate Islamabad International Airport (ISB) as part of a wider privatisation strategy.
In the past, Pakistan had explored a government-to-government agreement to delegate the management of the airport.
However, the government’s Privatisation Ministry stated in a release that it is now pursuing “long-term commercial concessions” for the management of Islamabad International Airport, along with airports in Karachi and Lahore.
The federal government indicated that the process to obtain private management of the airports will be “competitive” and accessible to “all domestic and foreign investors, who will have an equal opportunity to engage in the bidding process. This decision is devoid of any political or diplomatic implications and is founded solely on economic and procedural considerations.”
