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Islamabad International Airport (IATA: ISB, ICAO: OPIS)

Islamabad Airport officially known as Islamabad International Airport is built to facilitate passengers of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Taxila, Hassan Abdal and surroundings. It was formerly known as Benazir Bhutto International Airport. The second busiest airport of the country packs modern facilities. It is situated in the South-East of the city. Passengers can access by Sri Nagar Highway or Metrobus Service on MY 18, 2018, to connect twin cities with the Airport. 

Though it is not the largest airport when it comes to dealing passengers and can only operate 9 million passengers annually, further extensions are expected which will increase the capacity of the airport up to 25 million. But when it comes to cargo dealing, the Isb Airport is leading the pack. 

History of Islamabad Airport

On the auspicious day of April 7th, 200y, a significant chapter in Pakistan’s aviation history began to unfold with the commencement of the visionary project – the New Islamabad International Airport. Guided by the resolute leadership of the Prime Minister, Shaoukat Aziz, the ambitious endeavor took its first steps towards realization. This undertaking stands not only as a symbol of progress but also as a testament to the nation’s commitment to modernity and advancement. It became operational formally for international and domestic flights on 20th May 2018.

Facilities At The ISB Airport

Technology has added values to every aspect of life. Airports around the globe are facilitated with modern technologies to not only facilitate airport operators but also the passengers. And, Islamabad airport is not behind other top-quality airports in the world. Here is the list of the l facilities that a passenger will enjoy.

• Automated Check-In and Baggage Handling
• Biometric Security
• CCTV Surveillance
• Automated Boarding Pass Scanners
• Flight Information Displays
• Smart Parking Solution
• Public Wi-Fi
• Customs and Immigrations Automation
• Baggage Tracking
• Emergency Response Systems
• E-Gates

These high-end technologies enhance the overall passenger, security and operational efficiency of the airport.

Other Facilities at the Airport

Islamabad International Airport is designed to provide a range of facilities and amenities to ensure a comfortable and convenient experience for passengers.

• Lounges
• Restaurants and Cafes
• Shopping
• Currency Exchange
• Banking Facilities
• ATMs
• Charging Stations
• Child Care Facilities
• Medical Services
• Luggage Services
• Prayer Rooms
• Car Rental Services
• Smoking Area
• Business and Conference Facilities
• Transportation
• Special Assistant Services
• Entertainment Zones
• Information Desk

Aéroports de Paris Ingénierie (ADPi) CGP Corporation of Singapore signed this second busiest Airport of Pakistan. It took them almost 11 years to construct this giant airport. It occupies over 3200 acres of land having only one terminal. This 3200 acres area of Islamabad Airport contains;

• One Terminal
• Two runways
• Four Taxiways
•  Parking Bays
• Traffic Control Complex
• Cargo Terminal
• Fuel Farm

In short, the new Islamabad International Airport has everything that one would expect in a modern airport.

The whole project was financed by Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). The PCAA enlisted a group of architects from Britain to create plans for the upcoming airport. Subsequently, a contract was formalized between the PCAA and the Louis Berger Group from the United States, collaborating with the Pakistani consulting firm GT AASR, to oversee the responsibilities of project management. The stipulated timeline for the airport’s completion was set at five years; however, the actual construction phase stretched over a period of 12 years, leading to a tripling of the initial cost estimates. 

The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi officially inaugurated on May 1, 2018. And after that the Airport opened for flight operations on 3 May 2018.