ISLAMABAD: Minister for Aviation Khawaja Saad Rafique has said that Islamabad International Airport would be outsourced for 15 years to improve and enhance its operational activities.
While responding to a calling attention notice produced by lawmaker Maulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali here in National Assembly on Friday, Saad Rafique explained that the move was focused not to opt for privatization but to bring in proficient operators to enhance the efficiency of the airport.
The minister assured about transparent and open competitive bidding to allow the best bidder to get the opportunity to operate the airport, adding that the process, would be profit-oriented, ultimately benefiting the national exchequer. The International Finance Corporation would serve as the consultant, and already 12-13 companies have shown interest in participating in the bidding process, he added.
However, the minister clarified that the runway and navigation operations would not be included in the outsourcing process.
Turkiye, India benefit from outsourcing
Highlighting the success of outsourced airports in other countries like Turkiye and India, the minister mentioned that even Madina airport has been efficiently outsourced to deliver quality and improved services.
The minister also underscored the need to restructure Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to address its substantial deficit, which has reached about Rs. 80 billion this year and is feared to surpass Rs. 259 billion by 2030 if not dealt with appropriately.
Saad Rafique asserted that no employees would be laid off, and all existing staff would retain their job security and privileges, adding that the best possible practices would be implemented to ensure facilities at airports are efficiently managed.
Regarding the plans for the Airline, the minister apprised that the total liability of PIA amounts to Rs. 742 billion, with only 27-28 planes currently operational. He urged the necessity to save the institution and emphasized the importance of the restructuring legislation, which has been approved by the National Assembly in the previous sitting.
To address the deficit, Saad Rafique revealed plans to restore flights to the UK within three months, followed by resuming flights to the US and Europe. —APP
