Air travel in Pakistan has changed a lot in the past few years. What used to be limited to just a few major cities is now becoming accessible to people across the country even in places like Skardu, Turbat, and Gilgit.
Thanks to new development projects, growing tourism, and demand from overseas Pakistanis, the government has expanded and upgraded many airports. Now, you don’t have to rely only on road or train travel.
Flights are available in more cities than ever before. But people still often ask: how many airports are in Pakistan, and which ones actually have regular flights?
In this guide, we’ll give you a full breakdown of all airports currently operating in Pakistan as of 2025 both international and domestic.
Whether you’re planning a trip abroad or looking for a quick way to travel within Pakistan, this list will help you understand your options.
Let’s take a closer look at Pakistan’s growing air network.
International Airports in Pakistan (2025)
These airports serve both domestic and international flights, with facilities like immigration, customs, duty-free shops, and foreign airlines.
1. Islamabad International Airport (ISB)
Located in the capital, it’s the most modern and high-capacity airport in the country. Opened in 2018, it replaced Benazir Bhutto Airport.
2. Jinnah International Airport, Karachi (KHI)
Pakistan’s busiest airport, handling millions of passengers and cargo flights each year. A major hub for Gulf and Southeast Asian routes.
3. Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore (LHE)
A key airport in Punjab, popular for Europe, Middle East, and North America routes.
4. Multan International Airport (MUX)
Mostly used for Middle East flights and Haj/Umrah travel. Very active for southern Punjab.
5. Faisalabad International Airport (LYP)
Important for the textile industry, with growing flight options to UAE and Saudi Arabia.
6. Bacha Khan International Airport, Peshawar (PEW)
Main airport for KP province, serving a large overseas Pakistani population.
7. Quetta International Airport (UET)
Small but essential for Balochistan’s capital. Some Gulf flights operate here.
8. Sialkot International Airport (SKT)
Pakistan’s first privately owned airport, backed by exporters. Efficient and well-managed.
9. Skardu International Airport (KDU)
Upgraded to international status recently. First Dubai flight landed in 2023. Boosts tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan.
10. New Gwadar International Airport (GWD)
Opened in 2025, this is Pakistan’s largest airport by area (4,300 acres). Built under CPEC with Chinese support.
Domestic Airports in Pakistan
These airports connect cities across Pakistan, including remote or hilly regions. Most operate flights with PIA, AirSial, and Serene Air.
Here are some well-known ones:
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Gilgit Airport (GIL) – Gateway to Hunza and Skardu.
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Chitral Airport (CJL) – In the northwestern mountains.
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Bahawalpur Airport (BHV) – Southern Punjab’s main air link.
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Dera Ghazi Khan Airport (DEA) – Western Punjab, near Balochistan border.
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Zhob Airport (PZH) – In northern Balochistan.
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Moenjodaro Airport (MJD) – Near the ancient Indus Valley ruins.
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Sukkur Airport (SKZ) – Key airport in upper Sindh.
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Turbat Airport (TUK) – Serves southwestern Balochistan.
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Dalbandin Airport (DBA) – Mostly used for army or emergency operations.
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Dera Ismail Khan Airport (DSK) – Southern KP, limited flights.
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Parachinar Airport (PAJ) – Close to the Afghanistan border.
Some smaller airports don’t have regular flights but are active during emergencies or seasonal demand (e.g., Eid or tourism seasons).
Military Airbases & Airstrips
These are not open to public flights but are part of Pakistan’s air infrastructure:
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PAF Base Nur Khan – Rawalpindi
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PAF Base Masroor – Karachi
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PAF Base Samungli – Quetta
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PAF Base Sargodha (Mushaf Base) – Strategic airbase
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PAF Base Minhas, Kamra – Known for aircraft manufacturing
Sometimes, during natural disasters or emergencies, these bases are used for relief flights and evacuations.
Why This Matters
Here’s why knowing about these airports is important:
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Faster travel: Domestic flights can save 12+ hours of road time.
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Tourism boost: Skardu, Hunza, and Swat are now more reachable by air.
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Trade and cargo: Cities like Sialkot and Faisalabad depend on air cargo for exports.
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Medical access: In emergencies, remote area residents can be flown to bigger cities.
Real Story
Ali, a university student from Chitral, used to travel 18 hours by road to get to Islamabad.
“Now I book a flight from Chitral to Islamabad it takes just 45 minutes. It’s a life-changer, especially in winter.”
Final Word
Pakistan’s air travel network is growing, and with new airports like Gwadar and upgraded facilities in Skardu, the future looks promising. Whether you’re flying for business, studies, tourism, or family, having an airport near you can make all the difference.
FAQs: Airports in Pakistan
1. How many airports are there in Pakistan in 2025?
There are 117 airports, including international, domestic, and military.
2. How many international airports are active?
There are 10 active international airports across all provinces.
3. What’s the newest airport in Pakistan?
New Gwadar International Airport, opened in 2025.
4. Can tourists fly directly to Skardu?
Yes, Skardu now handles international flights, including from Dubai.
5. Which is the busiest airport in Pakistan?
Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, handles the most traffic.
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