Residents of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may soon see the return of air travel services as Dera Ismail Khan International Airport moves closer to becoming operational after years of closure.
The announcement was made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi during a recent visit to the facility. Officials briefed him on the progress of rehabilitation and development work currently underway at the Airport.
According to officials, major improvement work has already been completed. This includes runway carpeting, which was identified as one of the key requirements for restoring flight operations. However, some technical upgrades and installations are still in progress before the facility can fully resume services.
During the visit, Governor Kundi emphasized that all necessary safety measures must be completed before commercial flights are allowed to operate. He said aviation authorities should ensure that safety checks, technical equipment, and required staffing are in place before reopening the Airport to passengers.
The facility has remained non-operational since 2015, leaving the region without regular air connectivity for more than a decade. The prolonged closure affected travelers, businesses, and residents who relied on air transport for faster access to other parts of the country.
Officials believe that restoring flight operations will improve transportation links and support economic activity across the region. Better air connectivity could also encourage investment, tourism, and business opportunities in Dera Ismail Khan and surrounding districts.
Governor Kundi also discussed plans to restart flight services through both national and private airlines. He expressed hope that commercial operations would begin once all remaining requirements are fulfilled.
In addition to aviation services, the governor highlighted the need for broader infrastructure development in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He stressed that improved transportation networks are essential for regional growth and public convenience.
The reopening of the Airport is being viewed as an important step toward enhancing connectivity for residents who have faced travel challenges since the facility stopped operating. Many people in the area have long called for the restoration of air services.
Authorities are now focusing on completing the remaining technical work and regulatory requirements. Once these steps are finalized, the Airport is expected to resume operations and reconnect the region with major cities across Pakistan.
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The planned reopening marks a significant development for Dera Ismail Khan and could provide a major boost to travel, trade, and economic activity after more than 11 years of inactivity.
