Multan International Airport
Encyclopedia
Muhammad Bin Qasim International Airport is an airport situated 10 km away from the city centre of Multan
in Punjab
, Pakistan
. It is not as large as the other airports in Pakistan, as it operates to cater mainly to the population of Multan, Vehari
, Khanewal
, Muzaffargarh
, Rajanpur
, Sahiwal
, and Pakpattan
.
, when the Royal Air Force
used the open space to fly in and out of the Multan region during 1919. The area was used for aircraft that were able to land on gravel and grass surfaces, however, there was very little development to the area. In 1934, Imperial Airways
started to use the airfield for civil aircraft flights since Multan was considered a strategic position within the Punjab province of India. It was not until 1938 that Imperial Airways started to operate a regular flight out of Multan. The flight would originate at Lahore
, then fly into Multan
, where it would continue its journey to Jacobabad
and then Karachi
.
Following independence, the airline Pak Air started operations from the airport and the Multan Flying Club was formed. Since the formation of the national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines
, in 1957 PIA started operations from Multan using the Douglas DC-3
aircraft. In 1963, due to growth of the number of flights and larger aircraft requirements, the runway, taxi-ways and aprons where carpeted using the material bitumen. A new control tower was constructed to meet the technological changes of new aircraft traffic control systems. In 1971, since PIA had acquired Boeing
aircraft, the runway was extended to 9000' by 100' to handle heavier aircraft and more passengers. The terminal building was also extended in 1977 which also saw the operations of Boeing 720 aircraft operations from Multan. In 1980-88, the runway was strengthened and re-carpeted for the arrival of Airbus
aircraft, especially the Airbus A300
.
During 1999, PIA
as well as Aero Asia International
gave Muhammad Bin Qasim Airport an international status by operating flights to the Middle East such as Dubai
and Kuwait
. To cater for the Multani population living or travelling to more lucrative destinations. In 2005, the local government and the CAA decided to upgrade the airport terminal and airfield to meet international standards with emphasis on the runway, terminal building, facilities as well as apron areas. On 15 December 2006, Shaheen Air started four weekly flights from Karachi to Multan. Shaheen Air was the first airline in the private sector to operate flights to Muhammad Bin Qasim International . The airport reported an operating profit of Rs1 Billion in 2007. The airport is also being considered for Hajj and umrah flights to Saudi Arabia
which is expected to generate more revenue as well as growth of international routes out of Multan.
Multan's ILS
/VOR
/NDB
equipped runway
36/18 (with dimensions 9900' X 100') is certified to accept all aircraft types up to Airbus
A310
aircraft. This certification includes both length/width based certifications as well as the load classification number (LCN) certification for the runway. The taxiways and current apron are still fully certified to allow the A320 aircraft and at times, have enabled the airport to be used as an alternate for Karachi
or Lahore
flights which operate the Airbus A320 aircraft. During the expansion project, both the length and width of the runway would be enhanced to 10,500 feet and 150 feet.
The original upgrade plan was to build a brand new airport facility at a new location away from the original airport, however, due to the unavailability of land this proposal was dropped. The new proposal will involve upgrading the current airport with new terminals, taxi-ways and runways.
The CAA of Pakistan has earmarked on a Rs. 4.5 billion project, to upgrade and improve Multan Airport. The plan is to expand the existing Multan airport facility so that wide-bodied aircraft could land and take off for direct international passenger and cargo flights. The proposed improvements include extension of runway from 9,000 to 11,000 feet, increasing the width of runway to 150 feet with 25 feet shoulders on each side, thus the runway will be upgraded to Category E (Suitable for Boeing 747 aircraft). Other improvements will include expansion of terminal buildings. The first phase of the work will start in spring 2008. The project consists of two phases. In the first phase, expansion of runway, taxi-way and apron will be carried out at an estimated cost of Rs 1.8 billion; while the second phase includes construction of a new terminal building and the allied facilities. The completion of the project will allow more frequent flights to international destinations as well as wide body aircraft to operate from the airport.
During 11 April 2009, the ground breaking ceremony was held. The Prime Minister of Pakistan
, unvielled the plaque and the plan of the new state of the art terminal facility was presented. The new facility is expected to generate more domestic and international flights but more importantly cargo flights to expand the economy of the South Punjab region. The project is expected to reach the completion of Phase 1 by October 2010.
During June 2010, Prime Minister of Pakistan
performed the ground-breaking of a new passenger terminal at Multan airport.
The Rs 4.5 billion project’s first phase i.e upgradation of the runway from 9,000 feet to 10,500 feet besides apron is in final stage of completion at a cost of Rs 1.8 billion to ensure operations of direct flights between Multan and European and other destinations. At least two bays will be available for wide-body aircraft such as A340, B777, B747 and cargo planes.
The modern passenger terminal and allied facilities are part of the phase two which will be completed in two years to transform the facility into the most modern and state-of-the-art international airport to ease the discomfort being faced by passengers.
Multan
Multan , is a city in the Punjab Province of Pakistan and capital of Multan District. It is located in the southern part of the province on the east bank of the Chenab River, more or less in the geographic centre of the country and about from Islamabad, from Lahore and from Karachi...
in Punjab
Punjab (Pakistan)
Punjab is the most populous province of Pakistan, with approximately 45% of the country's total population. Forming most of the Punjab region, the province is bordered by Kashmir to the north-east, the Indian states of Punjab and Rajasthan to the east, the Pakistani province of Sindh to the...
, Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
. It is not as large as the other airports in Pakistan, as it operates to cater mainly to the population of Multan, Vehari
Vehari
Vehari is a city in the Punjab province in Pakistan. The city, which is the capital of the district and tehsil of the same name, is located at 30°1'0N 72°21'0E at an altitude of 135m , lies about from the regional metropolis of Multan and about north of the river Sutlej - the southernmost of...
, Khanewal
Khanewal
Khanewal is the capital city of Khanewal District in the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is notable for being the host city to the second largest train station in Pakistan. Khanewal is located at 30°18'0N 71°56'0E with an altitude of 128 metres and is named after the earliest settlers here who...
, Muzaffargarh
Muzaffargarh
Muzaffargarh is a city in southwestern Punjab, Pakistan, located on the bank of the Chenab River. The Town of Muzaffargarh was founded in 1794 by the Governor of Mulran Nawab Muzaffar Khan.The Meaning of Muzaffargarh is "Fort of Muzaffar" because the old town lies inside the walls of a fort built...
, Rajanpur
Rajanpur
Rajanpur is a city and the headquarters of Rajanpur District in the far southwestern part of Punjab, Pakistan. The district lies entirely west of the Indus River. it is a narrow, to wide strip of land sandwiched between the Indus River on the east and the Sulaiman Mountains on the west. The...
, Sahiwal
Sahiwal
Sahiwal is a city in Punjab, Pakistan. It is the administrative centre of Sahiwal District and Sahiwal Division. Sahiwal is approximately 180 km from the major city Lahore and is the city between Lahore and Multan...
, and Pakpattan
Pakpattan
Pakpattan is the capital city of the Pakpattan District in the Sahiwal Division in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Pakpattan is one of the ancient cities of Pakistan. It is the city that has the shrine of the well-known Sufi of all times, Baba Fareed...
.
History
Muhammad Bin Qasim International Airport traces its origins to the British EmpireBritish Empire
The British Empire comprised the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom. It originated with the overseas colonies and trading posts established by England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. At its height, it was the...
, when the Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
used the open space to fly in and out of the Multan region during 1919. The area was used for aircraft that were able to land on gravel and grass surfaces, however, there was very little development to the area. In 1934, Imperial Airways
Imperial Airways
Imperial Airways was the early British commercial long range air transport company, operating from 1924 to 1939 and serving parts of Europe but especially the Empire routes to South Africa, India and the Far East...
started to use the airfield for civil aircraft flights since Multan was considered a strategic position within the Punjab province of India. It was not until 1938 that Imperial Airways started to operate a regular flight out of Multan. The flight would originate at Lahore
Lahore
Lahore is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab and the second largest city in the country. With a rich and fabulous history dating back to over a thousand years ago, Lahore is no doubt Pakistan's cultural capital. One of the most densely populated cities in the world, Lahore remains a...
, then fly into Multan
Multan
Multan , is a city in the Punjab Province of Pakistan and capital of Multan District. It is located in the southern part of the province on the east bank of the Chenab River, more or less in the geographic centre of the country and about from Islamabad, from Lahore and from Karachi...
, where it would continue its journey to Jacobabad
Jacobabad
Jacobabad or Yaqubabad is the capital city of Jacobabad District, Sindh, Pakistan. The city is also the administrative centre of Jacobabad Taluka, an administrative subdivision of the district, the city is subdivided into 8 Union Councils...
and then Karachi
Karachi
Karachi is the largest city, main seaport and the main financial centre of Pakistan, as well as the capital of the province of Sindh. The city has an estimated population of 13 to 15 million, while the total metropolitan area has a population of over 18 million...
.
Following independence, the airline Pak Air started operations from the airport and the Multan Flying Club was formed. Since the formation of the national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines
Pakistan International Airlines
Pakistan International Airlines Corporation commonly known as PIA, is the flag carrier airline of Pakistan. The airline has its head office on the grounds of Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. and operates scheduled services to 24 domestic destinations and 38 international destinations in 27...
, in 1957 PIA started operations from Multan using the Douglas DC-3
Douglas DC-3
The Douglas DC-3 is an American fixed-wing propeller-driven aircraft whose speed and range revolutionized air transport in the 1930s and 1940s. Its lasting impact on the airline industry and World War II makes it one of the most significant transport aircraft ever made...
aircraft. In 1963, due to growth of the number of flights and larger aircraft requirements, the runway, taxi-ways and aprons where carpeted using the material bitumen. A new control tower was constructed to meet the technological changes of new aircraft traffic control systems. In 1971, since PIA had acquired Boeing
Boeing
The Boeing Company is an American multinational aerospace and defense corporation, founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, Washington. Boeing has expanded over the years, merging with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. Boeing Corporate headquarters has been in Chicago, Illinois since 2001...
aircraft, the runway was extended to 9000' by 100' to handle heavier aircraft and more passengers. The terminal building was also extended in 1977 which also saw the operations of Boeing 720 aircraft operations from Multan. In 1980-88, the runway was strengthened and re-carpeted for the arrival of Airbus
Airbus
Airbus SAS is an aircraft manufacturing subsidiary of EADS, a European aerospace company. Based in Blagnac, France, surburb of Toulouse, and with significant activity across Europe, the company produces around half of the world's jet airliners....
aircraft, especially the Airbus A300
Airbus A300
The Airbus A300 is a short- to medium-range widebody jet airliner. Launched in 1972 as the world's first twin-engined widebody, it was the first product of Airbus Industrie, a consortium of European aerospace companies, wholly owned today by EADS...
.
During 1999, PIA
PIA
-In aviation::* Pacific Island Aviation* Pakistan International Airlines, the flag carrier of Pakistan.* Pearson International Airport, Toronto, Ontario * Peoria International Airport IATA code...
as well as Aero Asia International
Aero Asia International
Aero Asia International was a private airline based in Karachi, Pakistan. It operated domestic and international services.Since May 2007, the airline was suspended from the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan due to the previous management's issues relating to the operating compliance on some CAA...
gave Muhammad Bin Qasim Airport an international status by operating flights to the Middle East such as Dubai
Dubai
Dubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates . The emirate is located south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula and has the largest population with the second-largest land territory by area of all the emirates, after Abu Dhabi...
and Kuwait
Kuwait
The State of Kuwait is a sovereign Arab state situated in the north-east of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south at Khafji, and Iraq to the north at Basra. It lies on the north-western shore of the Persian Gulf. The name Kuwait is derived from the...
. To cater for the Multani population living or travelling to more lucrative destinations. In 2005, the local government and the CAA decided to upgrade the airport terminal and airfield to meet international standards with emphasis on the runway, terminal building, facilities as well as apron areas. On 15 December 2006, Shaheen Air started four weekly flights from Karachi to Multan. Shaheen Air was the first airline in the private sector to operate flights to Muhammad Bin Qasim International . The airport reported an operating profit of Rs1 Billion in 2007. The airport is also being considered for Hajj and umrah flights to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , commonly known in British English as Saudi Arabia and in Arabic as as-Sa‘ūdiyyah , is the largest state in Western Asia by land area, constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula, and the second-largest in the Arab World...
which is expected to generate more revenue as well as growth of international routes out of Multan.
Structure
Since the airport mainly caters to the population of Multan and its surrounding towns. The airport is made up of an international and domestic departures and arrivals area. The arrival lounge can handle up to 135 passengers. It is made up of a few snack shops with one moving conveyor belt system. The departures lounge can handle up to 300 passengers. It has a prayer room, toilets as well as an allocated Prayer Area. The check-in area has roughly fifty counters and can handle two narrow body aircraft at one time. There is a CIP lounge to handle premium and VIP guests travelling through the airport.Multan's ILS
Instrument Landing System
An instrument landing system is a ground-based instrument approach system that provides precision guidance to an aircraft approaching and landing on a runway, using a combination of radio signals and, in many cases, high-intensity lighting arrays to enable a safe landing during instrument...
/VOR
VHF omnidirectional range
VOR, short for VHF omnidirectional radio range, is a type of radio navigation system for aircraft. A VOR ground station broadcasts a VHF radio composite signal including the station's identifier, voice , and navigation signal. The identifier is typically a two- or three-letter string in Morse code...
/NDB
Non-directional beacon
A non-directional beacon is a radio transmitter at a known location, used as an aviation or marine navigational aid. As the name implies, the signal transmitted does not include inherent directional information, in contrast to other navigational aids such as low frequency radio range, VHF...
equipped runway
Runway
According to ICAO a runway is a "defined rectangular area on a land aerodrome prepared for the landing and take-off of aircraft." Runways may be a man-made surface or a natural surface .- Orientation and dimensions :Runways are named by a number between 01 and 36, which is generally one tenth...
36/18 (with dimensions 9900' X 100') is certified to accept all aircraft types up to Airbus
Airbus
Airbus SAS is an aircraft manufacturing subsidiary of EADS, a European aerospace company. Based in Blagnac, France, surburb of Toulouse, and with significant activity across Europe, the company produces around half of the world's jet airliners....
A310
Airbus A310
The Airbus A310 is a medium- to long-range twin-engine widebody jet airliner. Launched in July 1978, it was the second aircraft created by Airbus Industrie,a consortium of European aerospace companies, Airbus is now fully owned by EADS and since 2001 has been known as Airbus SAS. the consortium of...
aircraft. This certification includes both length/width based certifications as well as the load classification number (LCN) certification for the runway. The taxiways and current apron are still fully certified to allow the A320 aircraft and at times, have enabled the airport to be used as an alternate for Karachi
Karachi
Karachi is the largest city, main seaport and the main financial centre of Pakistan, as well as the capital of the province of Sindh. The city has an estimated population of 13 to 15 million, while the total metropolitan area has a population of over 18 million...
or Lahore
Lahore
Lahore is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab and the second largest city in the country. With a rich and fabulous history dating back to over a thousand years ago, Lahore is no doubt Pakistan's cultural capital. One of the most densely populated cities in the world, Lahore remains a...
flights which operate the Airbus A320 aircraft. During the expansion project, both the length and width of the runway would be enhanced to 10,500 feet and 150 feet.
The original upgrade plan was to build a brand new airport facility at a new location away from the original airport, however, due to the unavailability of land this proposal was dropped. The new proposal will involve upgrading the current airport with new terminals, taxi-ways and runways.
The CAA of Pakistan has earmarked on a Rs. 4.5 billion project, to upgrade and improve Multan Airport. The plan is to expand the existing Multan airport facility so that wide-bodied aircraft could land and take off for direct international passenger and cargo flights. The proposed improvements include extension of runway from 9,000 to 11,000 feet, increasing the width of runway to 150 feet with 25 feet shoulders on each side, thus the runway will be upgraded to Category E (Suitable for Boeing 747 aircraft). Other improvements will include expansion of terminal buildings. The first phase of the work will start in spring 2008. The project consists of two phases. In the first phase, expansion of runway, taxi-way and apron will be carried out at an estimated cost of Rs 1.8 billion; while the second phase includes construction of a new terminal building and the allied facilities. The completion of the project will allow more frequent flights to international destinations as well as wide body aircraft to operate from the airport.
During 11 April 2009, the ground breaking ceremony was held. The Prime Minister of Pakistan
Prime Minister of Pakistan
The Prime Minister of Pakistan , is the Head of Government of Pakistan who is designated to exercise as the country's Chief Executive. By the Constitution of Pakistan, Pakistan has the parliamentary democratic system of government...
, unvielled the plaque and the plan of the new state of the art terminal facility was presented. The new facility is expected to generate more domestic and international flights but more importantly cargo flights to expand the economy of the South Punjab region. The project is expected to reach the completion of Phase 1 by October 2010.
During June 2010, Prime Minister of Pakistan
Prime Minister of Pakistan
The Prime Minister of Pakistan , is the Head of Government of Pakistan who is designated to exercise as the country's Chief Executive. By the Constitution of Pakistan, Pakistan has the parliamentary democratic system of government...
performed the ground-breaking of a new passenger terminal at Multan airport.
The Rs 4.5 billion project’s first phase i.e upgradation of the runway from 9,000 feet to 10,500 feet besides apron is in final stage of completion at a cost of Rs 1.8 billion to ensure operations of direct flights between Multan and European and other destinations. At least two bays will be available for wide-body aircraft such as A340, B777, B747 and cargo planes.
The modern passenger terminal and allied facilities are part of the phase two which will be completed in two years to transform the facility into the most modern and state-of-the-art international airport to ease the discomfort being faced by passengers.
Airlines and destinations
Events
- On 10 July 2006 a Fokker F-27 Friendship took off from Multan Airport. Flight PK688PIA Flight 688Pakistan International Airlines Flight 688 was scheduled to operate from Multan to Lahore and Islamabad at 12:05 pm on 10 July 2006. It crashed into a field after bursting into flames a few minutes after takeoff from Multan International Airport...
suffered engine problems soon after take-off causing the pilot to lose control of the aircraft. The aircraft crashed in a near-by grass field causing to catch fire on impact leaving all(54) passengers and crew dead.
See also
- List of airports in Pakistan
- Airlines of PakistanAirlines of PakistanThe Pakistan aviation industry was started up when Orient Airways merged with Pakistan International Airlines Corporation to become the national flag carrier of Pakistan called Pakistan International Airlines...
- Transport in PakistanTransport in PakistanTransportation in Pakistan is extensive and varied but still in its developing stages and serving a population of over 170 million people. Construction of new airports, roads, and railway lines have led to an employment boost in the country. Much of Pakistan's road network and railway network...
- Pakistan Civil Aviation AuthorityPakistan Civil Aviation AuthorityPakistan's Civil Aviation Authority is a regulatory authority, which oversees and regulates all aspects of civil aviation in Pakistan. Nearly all civilian airports in Pakistan are owned and operated by the CAA...