The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is considering building a new international airport for Peshawar and shifting the current Bacha Khan International Airport to a safer location outside the city. Officials say the initial planning work will soon be prepared and presented to the provincial government.
The proposal was discussed in a meeting chaired by Peshawar Commissioner Riaz Khan Mehsud. Officials said around 2,500 acres of land would be needed for the new airport, which should be located away from densely populated areas.
Participants noted that the current airport’s location inside the city is causing traffic, security, and population pressure, making relocation necessary. Several possible sites were reviewed, including Mathani, Azakhel, Surizai, Mamo Khatki, Naaguman, and Bara Akakhel.
A committee led by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) will now survey these areas with officials from the Revenue Department and Pakistan Airports Authority. The committee will prepare recommendations, which will be sent to Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Chief Secretary Syed Shahab Ali Shah. Another meeting will be held in three weeks to review progress on the project. The project is considered important in regard to the region’s development.
