Federal aviation minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan has said that Skardu airport is being revamped to begin international flight operations to boost tourism and trade activities in Gilgit-Baltistan.

In an interview, he stated that steps were being taken to capitalize on the tourism potential in the United Kingdom under Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision.

Mr Sarwar stated that the Skardu airport, which is located at an elevation of over 7,000 feet is one of the world’s highest altitude airports. He stated that for the first time flights from Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Sialkot, and Faisalabad to Skardu had begun. Skardu airport according to the aviation minister has become one of Pakistan’s busiest airports.

Mr Sarwar stated that a notification declaring Skardu airport as the international airport would be issued next month. He stated that the airport’s runway was being expanded to accommodate wide-body aircraft landings.

“International chartered flights to Skardu airport will be permitted,” he added.

Ghulam Sarwar stated that a plan was in the works to expand the Gilgit airport and that options for constructing a new airport in Gilgit were being considered.

He also stated that a study was being conducted to build a bridge for heavy aircraft landings at the Gilgit airport.