The ongoing Jinnah International Airport runway makeover has entered its final phase, with key milestones achieved ahead of schedule. The Karachi airport runway upgradation is part of a broader infrastructure improvement plan to expand capacity and improve flight operations.
The Jinnah International Airport has a runway that is identified as 07L/25R that is being extended by 1,000 feet and having a total length of 11,500 feet. It is projected that this will increase the capacity of the airport to host large aircraft (wide-body and heavy) including the Airbus A380.
Karachi Airport Runway Upgradation Work also includes:
- Reconstruction of taxiways and overrun areas
- Installation of a new energy-efficient LED CAT-I airfield lighting system
- Completion of pavement quality concrete (PQC) layer
- Final markings and lighting installation currently underway
This Jinnah International Airport runway makeover update confirms that more than 53% of the project was completed by May 2025. The Pavement Quality Concrete stage was finalized by the end of July 2025, about a month ahead of plan.
What Makes Karachi Airport Runway Upgradation Different
Unlike previous upgrades, this Karachi airport runway upgradation includes a Category 4F classification, which enables the airport to support the world’s largest commercial aircraft. It’s the first time Karachi Airport is being upgraded to accommodate ultra-wide-body planes.
LED lighting systems and improved centerline markings will enhance nighttime operations, allowing safer and more frequent landings. PCAA engineers have received international training to install and operate the new systems.
Karachi New Airport Plan and Flight Capacity
Though the Karachi new airport project is at an early stage, the expansion of Jinah International Airport is considered even now as a first step towards this dream. This will increase operational capacity after its completion.
Presently, the number of daily flights in Karachi Airport remains variable, but it is likely to increase after the upgradation. To date Karachi is dealing with more than 130 commercial flights daily and with the potential augmentation of the runway facilities this number could be improved.
The full Jinnah International Airport runway makeover is scheduled to complete by January 2026, with all lighting systems and markings finished by the end of this year.
