ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz has inaugurated Benazir Bhutto International Airport, which has been upgraded and renovated with the cost of Rs450 million.
The airport in the twin cities has been upgraded with Delta Taxi Track, Fast-Track Building, Business Class Fast-Tack, Business Class Lounge and even with a bomb-proof wall.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) officials, a number of missing facilities have been added to the airport during the refurbishment process.
A blast-proof concrete wall has been built in front of the main terminal to separate it from the car park to make the airport more secure, while a ‘fast-track section’ has been constructed near the outer gate to allow passengers with light baggage to enter and leave the airport without hassle.
The car parking capacity has been increased from 300 vehicles to 1000. Special waiting place with all basic amenities has also been established in the car park itself. New lighting system and global standard sinology has uplifted the image of the airport to an international standard.
Fast track facility was missing at the airport earlier. A state of the art fast track facility has been established which will help reduce congestion. Fast food brands like Pizza Hut and Burger King have been brought in to establish their outlets at the airport.
International departure briefing area was not only severely congested but also dilapidated. Its capacity has been enhanced and its internal arrangements redesigned and redecorated besides additional check-in counters for business class passengers.
Business lounge which was formerly known as Rawal lounge has completely been redesigned and redecorated. Security checking procedure has been strengthened by rearranging entry procedure to business lounge through special passage between domestic departure and Business lounge itself.
According to a PIA spokesperson, “Air Navigation facilities are also being improved. New radars are being acquired and satellite based communication, navigation and surveillance system is also being installed. This would greatly improve safety and efficiency of Air Traffic Control system in the country.
Taxiway Delta is 1700 feet long and 150 feet wide. Its PCN is 68 and it will handle aircraft of all weights and sizes including Being 777 and B-747.
The spokesman said that the taxiway will allow airlines to land at the same pace as Lahore and Karachi saving them cumulative amount of Rs120 million per month. It will serve civil air traffic before the operations are shifted to new Islamabad airport after about 2 years.
