Sialkot International Airport
Encyclopedia
Sialkot International Airport (colloquially known as Sialkot Airport) is situated 14 km (8.7 mi) west of Sialkot
in the Sialkot District
of Pakistan
. It has the distinctions of being the first privately-owned public airport in Pakistan and South Asia and of having the longest runway in Pakistan.
Approximately 1,000,000 travellers from Sialkot and adjacent areas are expected to benefit from this international airport
each year.
Recently it has been confirmed that the airport will be developed further, the apron will be extended to accommodate 12 aircraft and jet bridges will be installed.
which is about 125 km away. The federal government promised the industrialists of Sialkot an international airport but due to bureaucratic red-tape, indifference by the government
and more importantly its proximity to Indian administered Kashmir
and the periodic shelling from across the border, no work could be started. Finally, tired of foot-dragging, Sialkot's industrialists in the late 80's agreed to build the airport themselves and sought the federal government's approval. On February 2, 2001, approval was granted after a decade of negotiations with the federal government and construction of an international airport at Sialkot for passenger and cargo traffic began. A team of directors was approved, under the chairmanship of Mian Mansha (three times chairman for SIAL) all of whom placed personal wealth into the project as a primary investment. Each director on the board had previous experience of running sizable and successful enterprises, therefore they were all selected due to this knowledge. Also, with Rs
5 million of personal investment in the project by each one of them, the directors had a direct stake in its profitability. As the development of SIAL went on, the number of directors had reached 250 and it was decided to close membership to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors at SIAL inspired confidence that the potential of the airport project will be fully realized. On February 26, 2001, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry
and the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority
with the approval of Ministry of Defence for the construction of an international airport in Sialkot.
On March 24 2005, Sialkot International Airport Limited (SIAL) was formed under the auspices of the Chamber. On March 26, 2005, the first plane landed on the newly constructed runway, which has been built to handle a fully loaded Boeing 747
as future plans involve dealing with heavy aircraft for cargo imports and exports. PIA
test flight PK-613 landed at the Sialkot International Airport on October 20, 2007.
A memorandum of understanding between PIA and Sialkot International Airport Authority for mutual cooperation and joint promotion of Sialkot International Airport was signed by Anwaar Rasul Khan, Senior Vice President (Sales), PIA, and Mian Naeem Javed, Director, Sialkot International Airport.
The first and the largest international airport constructed by the private sector in Pakistan, at a cost of over Rs 2.6 billion became operational on November 30, 2007. The former military ruler of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf
formally inaugurated the Sialkot International Airport on December 11, 2007.
As of today, Sialkot has the longest runaway (3600 m) of all airports in Pakistan, although this will change when the new Islamabad Airport becomes operational.
to meet international standards. The airport has developed a brand new runway so heavier aircraft can land there. There is a new terminal currently being built to deal with increase in passengers as well as cargo imports and exports.
and Islamabad
.
Dammam service is marketed as Dhahran by PIA, it also involves aircraft change at Islamabad.
From Gujranwala
, take Sialkot Road, up to Daska
and then go to the Sambrial Road. After reaching Sambrial turn right and go straight on the Sialkot-Wazirabad Duel Carriageway. After crossing the Sialkot Dry Port turn left on the Airport road. People coming from Gujranwala can also reach the airport through Wazirabad by using the Sialkot-Wazirabad Duel Carriageway
up to Sambrial by Bus. Then you have to take a Taxi. An American bus company FOTONhttp://www.foton-america.com http://pakobserver.net/200908/14/news/business03.asp will provide airconditioned CNG
Bus Service from airport to Sialkot, Wazirabad, Daska and Gujranwala.
is Sambrial
which is 5 km (3.1 mi) from the airport and is serviced by a taxi link.
Sialkot
Sialkot is a city in Pakistan situated in the north-east of the Punjab province at the foothills of snow-covered peaks of Kashmir near the Chenab river. It is the capital of Sialkot District. The city is about north-west of Lahore and only a few kilometers from Indian-controlled Jammu.The...
in the Sialkot District
Sialkot District
Sialkot District or the District of Sialkot , is one of the districts of the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is located in the north-east of the province...
of 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 has the distinctions of being the first privately-owned public airport in Pakistan and South Asia and of having the longest runway in Pakistan.
Approximately 1,000,000 travellers from Sialkot and adjacent areas are expected to benefit from this international airport
International airport
An international airport is any airport that can accommodate flights from other countries and are typically equipped with customs and immigration facilities to handle these flights to and from other countries...
each year.
Recently it has been confirmed that the airport will be developed further, the apron will be extended to accommodate 12 aircraft and jet bridges will be installed.
History
The export oriented industrial city of Sialkot had long felt the need of an international passenger and cargo airport. The nearest one was in LahoreLahore
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...
which is about 125 km away. The federal government promised the industrialists of Sialkot an international airport but due to bureaucratic red-tape, indifference by the government
Government
Government refers to the legislators, administrators, and arbitrators in the administrative bureaucracy who control a state at a given time, and to the system of government by which they are organized...
and more importantly its proximity to Indian administered Kashmir
Kashmir
Kashmir is the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent. Until the mid-19th century, the term Kashmir geographically denoted only the valley between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal mountain range...
and the periodic shelling from across the border, no work could be started. Finally, tired of foot-dragging, Sialkot's industrialists in the late 80's agreed to build the airport themselves and sought the federal government's approval. On February 2, 2001, approval was granted after a decade of negotiations with the federal government and construction of an international airport at Sialkot for passenger and cargo traffic began. A team of directors was approved, under the chairmanship of Mian Mansha (three times chairman for SIAL) all of whom placed personal wealth into the project as a primary investment. Each director on the board had previous experience of running sizable and successful enterprises, therefore they were all selected due to this knowledge. Also, with Rs
Rupee
The rupee is the common name for the monetary unit of account in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives, and formerly in Burma, and Afghanistan. Historically, the first currency called "rupee" was introduced in the 16th century...
5 million of personal investment in the project by each one of them, the directors had a direct stake in its profitability. As the development of SIAL went on, the number of directors had reached 250 and it was decided to close membership to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors at SIAL inspired confidence that the potential of the airport project will be fully realized. On February 26, 2001, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry
[Image:Sialkot Chamber Logo.jpg|150px|right|thumb|]Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry is located in Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan. The Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a trade body, which was established in 1982. Late Mr. A.D. Bhutta was the founder President of this esteemed organization...
and the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority
Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority
Pakistan'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...
with the approval of Ministry of Defence for the construction of an international airport in Sialkot.
On March 24 2005, Sialkot International Airport Limited (SIAL) was formed under the auspices of the Chamber. On March 26, 2005, the first plane landed on the newly constructed runway, which has been built to handle a fully loaded Boeing 747
Boeing 747
The Boeing 747 is a wide-body commercial airliner and cargo transport, often referred to by its original nickname, Jumbo Jet, or Queen of the Skies. It is among the world's most recognizable aircraft, and was the first wide-body ever produced...
as future plans involve dealing with heavy aircraft for cargo imports and exports. 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...
test flight PK-613 landed at the Sialkot International Airport on October 20, 2007.
A memorandum of understanding between PIA and Sialkot International Airport Authority for mutual cooperation and joint promotion of Sialkot International Airport was signed by Anwaar Rasul Khan, Senior Vice President (Sales), PIA, and Mian Naeem Javed, Director, Sialkot International Airport.
The first and the largest international airport constructed by the private sector in Pakistan, at a cost of over Rs 2.6 billion became operational on November 30, 2007. The former military ruler of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf
Pervez Musharraf
Pervez Musharraf , is a retired four-star general who served as the 13th Chief of Army Staff and tenth President of Pakistan as well as tenth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. Musharraf headed and led an administrative military government from October 1999 till August 2007. He ruled...
formally inaugurated the Sialkot International Airport on December 11, 2007.
As of today, Sialkot has the longest runaway (3600 m) of all airports in Pakistan, although this will change when the new Islamabad Airport becomes operational.
Structure
Sialkot is a major export hub of Pakistan. The airport is being upgraded to make it compatible to carry the load of three Boeing 747s or A340s. The airport authority is currently working with a private company to develop the airportAirport
An airport is a location where aircraft such as fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and blimps take off and land. Aircraft may be stored or maintained at an airport...
to meet international standards. The airport has developed a brand new runway so heavier aircraft can land there. There is a new terminal currently being built to deal with increase in passengers as well as cargo imports and exports.
- Services
- Fuel farm
- Aircraft ground maintenance services
- Catering
- Other related services through concessions to private parties.
- Runway;
- 3,600 metre long, 45-metre wide with 7.5-metre wide shoulders on either side corresponding to International Civil Aviation Organisation Category 4E.
- Link Taxiway;
- 263-metre long, 23-metre wide with 10.5-metre shoulders.
- Aprons;
- For passenger and cargo, 95,000-sq metre area. Combination of flexible and rigid pavements.
- Nose-in parking for 10 wide-bodied aircraft at a time or 8 AirbusAirbusAirbus 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....
plus 4 F-27/ATR-42 aircraft at a time.
Airlines and destinations
Sialkot to London-Heathrow and Manchester service may involve aircraft changes and VIA routes at KarachiJinnah International Airport
Jinnah International Airport is Pakistan's largest international and domestic airport. It is located in Karachi, Pakistan, and its passenger terminal is also commonly known as the جناح ٹرمینل Jinnah Terminal...
and Islamabad
Benazir Bhutto International Airport
Benazir Bhutto International Airport بینظیر بھٹّو بین الاقوامی ہوائی اڈہ is the third-largest airport in Pakistan, serving the capital Islamabad and its twin city Rawalpindi in the province of Punjab...
.
Dammam service is marketed as Dhahran by PIA, it also involves aircraft change at Islamabad.
Cargo
Road
Travellers by car from Sialkot reach the airport by travelling west on the Sialkot-Wazirabad Duel Carriageway, turning right at Sambrial to Airport Road and then go straight for 5 kms to reach the airport.From Gujranwala
Gujranwala
Gujranwala is a industrial city in the north-east of the Punjab province. It is the sixth largest city in Pakistan with a population of approximately 2,661,360 as on 24 June 2011...
, take Sialkot Road, up to Daska
Daska
Daska is a growing industrial city with a population of around 440,200 in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The town is the capital of Daska Tehsil one of four tehsils of Sialkot District. It is located at 32°19'60N 74° 20' 60E-Name:The name Daska is said to be a distortion of "Dah Kos"...
and then go to the Sambrial Road. After reaching Sambrial turn right and go straight on the Sialkot-Wazirabad Duel Carriageway. After crossing the Sialkot Dry Port turn left on the Airport road. People coming from Gujranwala can also reach the airport through Wazirabad by using the Sialkot-Wazirabad Duel Carriageway
Bus
The airport can be reached from SialkotSialkot
Sialkot is a city in Pakistan situated in the north-east of the Punjab province at the foothills of snow-covered peaks of Kashmir near the Chenab river. It is the capital of Sialkot District. The city is about north-west of Lahore and only a few kilometers from Indian-controlled Jammu.The...
up to Sambrial by Bus. Then you have to take a Taxi. An American bus company FOTONhttp://www.foton-america.com http://pakobserver.net/200908/14/news/business03.asp will provide airconditioned CNG
Compressed natural gas
Compressed natural gas is a fossil fuel substitute for gasoline , diesel, or propane/LPG. Although its combustion does produce greenhouse gases, it is a more environmentally clean alternative to those fuels, and it is much safer than other fuels in the event of a spill...
Bus Service from airport to Sialkot, Wazirabad, Daska and Gujranwala.
Train
The nearest railway stationTrain station
A train station, also called a railroad station or railway station and often shortened to just station,"Station" is commonly understood to mean "train station" unless otherwise qualified. This is evident from dictionary entries e.g...
is Sambrial
Sambrial
Sambrial is a town of Sialkot District in the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is the capital of Sambrial Tehsil - an administrative subdivision of the district.- Tribes & clans :...
which is 5 km (3.1 mi) from the airport and is serviced by a taxi link.
Airport Pictures
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...
- Pakistan International AirlinesPakistan International AirlinesPakistan 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...
- 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...
- Sialkot Cantonment AirportSialkot Cantonment AirportSialkot Cantonment Airport is a small army airport for Mushak and Cessna planes and helicopters in Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan. It is located on Cantonment Road adjacent to Garrison Park...
- Sialkot International Airport Limited
- SialkotSialkotSialkot is a city in Pakistan situated in the north-east of the Punjab province at the foothills of snow-covered peaks of Kashmir near the Chenab river. It is the capital of Sialkot District. The city is about north-west of Lahore and only a few kilometers from Indian-controlled Jammu.The...
External links
- Sialkot International Airport Flights Schedule
- Official Website of Sialkot International Airport Limited
- Official Website of Pakistan Internation Airlines
- Sialkot International Airport, Sialkot, Pakistan - Airport-technology.com, Accessed 2008-02-06
- Sialkot International Airport - OurSialkot.com
- Feasibility of SIAL: Official Costs Reports - Accessed 2008-01-10