ISLAMABAD: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) spent an amount of Rs 460 million to provide upgraded facilities and fast track services for the international and domestic passengers at the Benazir Bhutto International Airport.
The airport now has a new Taxiway-Delta, to allow the aircraft exit the runway after landing, vacating it for other aircraft to land or take-off.
The upgradation of the airport, under the vision of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, would provide better facilities to the international and domestic passengers till the completion of the new Islamabad airport at Fateh Jang, according to official sources here on Thursday.
The Authority has upgraded Rawal Lounge, domestic and international departure lounges, the Fast Track building and other facilities at the airport.
The airport now has increased, improved parking for 700 vehicles, besides a dedicated 375 car parking for the staff, wheel-chair access to the entire building, dedicated toilets for the disabled, free WiFi access, and declaring the entire airport a no-smoking zone.
The remarkable thing was that not even a single tree inside the Parking area was cut to maintain the natural beauty.
The number of airline counters has been increased from 20 to 25, immigration from 10 to 12, besides a fast track system for quicker access to those with little luggage, women, children and elderly.
The number of public toilets has been doubled and improved to meet international standards, while awaiting lounge now also has international food chains.
The taxiway alone would help save around Rs 120 million in only two months time owing to fuel costs alone.
It may be mentioned here that the Benazir Bhutto International Airport was declared a pilot project to launch a drive of up-gradation of facilities offered by the Civil Aviation Authority.
The services of leading national architects were hired for improvement of facilities, and to ensure quick clearance of passengers during peak rush hours.
Different passenger traffic flow patterns and the difficulties faced by passengers had been kept in view while carrying out the up-gradation project.
