Dera Ismail Khan Airport has been fully restored and made operational after remaining inactive for a prolonged period, marking what officials describe as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s aviation sector revival efforts.
According to a statement issued by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has successfully completed the rehabilitation work, bringing the long-neglected airport back into active service.
The minister stated that the restoration of Dera Ismail Khan Airport reflects the government’s broader strategy to revive non-operational airports across the country and improve regional air connectivity. He described the development as an important step toward strengthening national infrastructure and facilitating public convenience.
Officials noted that the airport had suffered from years of neglect and limited use, which had affected its operational readiness. Through recent efforts, necessary upgrades and maintenance work were carried out to ensure that the facility meets required aviation standards for safe and efficient operations.
The Defence Minister further emphasized that both the Ministry of Defence and the Pakistan Airports Authority are actively working on bringing other inactive airports back into service. These efforts aim to improve connectivity in remote and underserved regions, boost economic activity, and support regional development.
Aviation experts believe that the reopening of smaller regional airports like Dera Ismail Khan can play a key role in enhancing domestic travel options, reducing travel time, and improving access to major cities for residents of peripheral areas.
They also point out that operational airports can contribute to local economic growth by facilitating trade, tourism, and investment opportunities in surrounding regions.
While no detailed flight schedule or airline operations plan has been officially announced yet, the restoration of the airport is expected to pave the way for future domestic flights once commercial arrangements are finalized.
The development is part of a wider infrastructure improvement initiative aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s aviation network and ensuring better utilization of existing airport facilities across the country.
