Overview
- An Airblue flight, PA-171 from Jeddah, touched down at 12:20 pm to begin regular operations on the upgraded runway.
- The Pakistan Airports Authority says the Code 4F runway can accommodate the largest aircraft, including the Airbus A380.
- The project was completed in 18 months at a reported cost of Rs8,305 million while keeping flight operations running.
- Officials report zero schedule or cost overruns, no contractual claims, and no harm incidents during delivery.
- The upgrade adds reinforced pavement, extended taxiways and overruns, energy‑efficient lighting, and a Category 1 navigation system, with improvements expected to enhance safety and capacity for 25–30 years.