ISLAMABAD: Pakistan announced on Sunday that it plans to introduce a new satellite-guided navigation system for flights to the northern cities of Skardu, Gilgit, and Chitral by June 2026, aiming to tackle persistent weather-related delays and cancellations at these remote northern airports.
These destinations are among the country’s most popular tourist hubs and serve as gateways to the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges.
Gilgit-Baltistan, which shares a border with China, also holds strategic importance as part of the northern corridor connecting the two countries.
Marking International Civil Aviation Day, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) stated it is accelerating upgrades across the aviation sector, including the implementation of Required Navigation Performance – Authorisation Required (RNP-AR) procedures to enhance safety and operational efficiency.
RNP-AR is a high-precision, satellite-based navigation system that allows aircraft to follow accurate, terrain-safe flight paths even in low-visibility conditions, helping to minimise weather-related disruptions at mountainous airports.
“Pakistan Airports Authority is rapidly working on major projects for safe, efficient and modern aviation in the country,” the PAA said.
It added that RNP-AR flight procedures for Skardu, Gilgit and Chitral “will be implemented by June 2026,” subject to the findings of a consultant’s feasibility study.
The authority further the system would “significantly reduce weather-related flight delays and cancellations.”
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) also outlined timelines for several major infrastructure upgrades.
These include the expansion of Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport terminal by September 2026 and runway modernisation at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport by January 2026.
Additional projects cover the next development phase at Skardu Airport and phase two of Muridke General Aviation Aerodrome, both scheduled to commence next year.
The PAA further revealed that new greenfield airports in Dera Ismail Khan, Sukkur, and Faisalabad are currently in the planning stages.
“Pakistan Airports Authority is leading the aviation sector toward a safer and more accessible future,” it said.
