KEY POINTS
- The rating recognizes tangible improvements in passenger services, infrastructure, and staff efficiency across the entire travel journey.
- The rigorous Skytrax audit evaluates up to 800 criteria, placing Islamabad on par with global hubs like Dubai International Airport.
- Officials state the rating honours Pakistan and signals progress toward higher international service standards, boosting the country’s aviation profile.
ISLAMABAD: In a landmark achievement for Pakistan’s aviation sector, the Islamabad International Airport (IIA) has been awarded a three-star rating by Skytrax, the international air transport rating agency.
This classification makes IIA the first airport in the country to receive this recognition, signifying a major step forward in-service quality and infrastructure.
The rating places Islamabad’s airport on par with global hubs like Dubai International Airport, which also holds a three-star rating in the latest assessment. Meanwhile, other major Pakistani airports in Lahore and Karachi retained their two-star status.
Rigorous Global Benchmark
The Skytrax star rating is a globally recognized benchmark for airport quality, distinct from simple customer surveys. It is awarded following comprehensive research and detailed audit evaluations that assess the entire passenger journey.
The system scrutinizes hundreds of items across key areas, including terminal cleanliness, comfort, retail and dining options, and the efficiency and friendliness of staff at all touchpoints, from immigration and security to customer service counters.
A Recognition of Tangible Improvement
According to Skytrax, the three-star rating for Islamabad International Airport reflects “tangible improvements in passenger services and infrastructure.” The award underscores successful enhancements in airport management and the overall traveller experience, aligning IIA with international standards.
This milestone is expected to boost Pakistan’s aviation profile, encouraging further investment and development aimed at elevating passenger experience across the nation’s airports.
While talking to WE News English, Aftab Gilani, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Islamabad International Airport, described the three-star rating as an honour for Pakistan and its people, placing Islamabad alongside other globally recognized three-star airports like Dubai.
Gilani stated that the rating followed a comprehensive Skytrax assessment of passenger facilities, service standards, and overall management.
The airport received certification as a 3-Star Airport for its facilities, comfort, cleanliness, shopping, food & beverages, staff service, and security/immigration processes.
Skytrax’s evaluation of airports
Founded in 1989 and based in the United Kingdom, Skytrax evaluates airports and airlines worldwide through professional audits and passenger experience benchmarks, assigning ratings from one to five stars.
The Skytrax World Airport Star Rating, introduced 20 years ago, is regarded as a global benchmark for airport quality. Assessments cover up to 800 customer-facing areas across around 30 passenger touchpoints, ranging from airport websites and wayfinding to terminal design, cleanliness, passenger flow, seating, washrooms, Wi-Fi, shopping, and dining.
Service evaluations focus on front-line customer experience throughout the end-to-end airport journey. These include airport-operated services such as help desks and service ambassadors, staff at retail and food outlets, and official personnel, including immigration, security, customs, and police. Criteria include efficiency, consistency, staff attitude, hospitality, and language skills, with expectations adapted to specific roles.
Skytrax applies a unified methodology across all airports — from major global hubs to smaller regional facilities — ensuring consistent and comparable ratings. Final star classifications are awarded once sufficient audit data has been gathered or a full airport audit is completed.
Aviation officials said the three-star rating positions Islamabad International Airport as a leading facility in Pakistan and signals progress toward higher international service standards.
Islamabad International Airport
Planned to alleviate congestion at the old Benazir Bhutto Airport, Islamabad International Airport’s construction began in 2007 on a 3,200-acre site near Fateh Jang.
The state-of-the-art facility, designed by Aéroports de Paris and Singapore’s CPG Corporation, was inaugurated in May 2018.
The airport commenced full operations on May 3, 2018, immediately becoming Pakistan’s primary aviation gateway.
It welcomed its first Airbus A380 in July 2018 and has since grown to be the nation’s busiest airport by passenger traffic (2024-25), serving as a major hub for PIA and other airlines with an initial capacity of 9 million passengers annually, which has now reached 25 million passengers.
A substantial portion of Islamabad airport’s land is dedicated to commercial developments, including duty-free shops, hotels, food courts, and leisure facilities.
