Overview
- Islamabad International Airport has been placed in the active privatization program alongside Karachi and Lahore, the Privatization Commission said.
- The government plans to outsource operations through management contracts or long-term commercial concessions.
- Authorities moved in November 2025 from government-to-government arrangements to an open bidding model due to strong investor interest.
- Officials rejected reports of a cancelled UAE lease, saying no lease or agreement has been signed for any airport.
- Engagement is ongoing with entities from the UAE, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and other stakeholders to support modernization goals that include better service, higher revenue and upgraded infrastructure.