KARACHI: Pakistan has officially inaugurated the newly reconstructed runway at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, a significant upgrade now capable of handling A380 superjumbo aircraft operations.
Secretary Defence Lt. Gen. (retd) Muhammad Ali formally inaugurated the Runway 07L/25R, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s aviation infrastructure development, said a press release issued by Pakistan Airports Authority on Saturday.
The newly inaugurated runway at Jinnah International Airport has been upgraded to a Code-4F standard, making it fully capable of handling A380 superjumbo operations. The project was executed in strict compliance with ICAO Annex 14 Standards and Recommended Practices.
In what is being hailed as a landmark achievement for public-sector infrastructure, the runway project was completed within 18 months.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Secretary of Defence lauded the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) for its leadership and execution. He commended the engineers, consultants, contractors, and workforce for delivering world-class infrastructure that aligns with both international aviation standards and national priorities.
“The reconstruction of Runway 07L/25R strengthens operational resilience, enhances heavy aircraft handling capability, and reinforces Karachi’s position as a strategic aviation gateway,” the press release said.
It is worth noting that three other major airports in Pakistan — Islamabad International Airport, Allama Iqbal International Airport, and New Gwadar International Airport — have been designed to accommodate large wide-body aircraft, including the Airbus A380. Despite this capability, no airline currently operates regular A380 services to Pakistan.
