The Dera Ismail Khan Airport is moving closer to reopening as authorities accelerate efforts to restore full commercial flight operations. Officials say the airport will soon be ready for ATR flights once the remaining development work is completed.
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi visited the Dera Ismail Khan Airport on Friday and reviewed ongoing rehabilitation work. During the visit, Pakistan Airports Authority officials briefed him on the current condition of the airport and the progress of restoration activities.
Speaking to the media, the governor thanked Defence Minister Khawaja Asif for supporting the revival of the Dera Ismail Khan Airport. He confirmed that runway carpeting has already been completed, while additional technical and operational work is still in progress to resume regular flight services.
He also noted that the airport has remained closed since 2015, creating long-standing connectivity challenges for the region. He stressed the need to urgently address the shortage of technical staff and equipment so that operations can restart safely after proper audit and safety checks.
The governor expressed hope that full commercial operations at the Dera Ismail Khan Airport would be announced soon. He added that discussions with South Air officials are underway to launch flights not only for Dera Ismail Khan but also for Chitral, improving regional air connectivity.
He further said private airlines would be encouraged to expand operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to strengthen travel and trade links. He also highlighted the proposed Green Field International Airport project, which is planned over more than 1,700 acres and is expected to handle over one million passengers annually.
Rejecting proposals to shift the airport location to Pezu, Lakki Marwat or Bannu, the governor said the Yarik area remains the most suitable site for serving the wider region effectively.
He also announced progress on the N-55 Dera-Parowa dual carriageway project, stating that tendering has been completed and construction work will begin soon.
On constitutional matters, he said no formal draft of the proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment has been shared yet. He added that the Pakistan Peoples Party reviews all constitutional proposals carefully before giving recommendations.
