Pakistan has stepped up efforts to restore inactive airports across the country as authorities push to improve regional air connectivity and expand access to remote and underserved areas.

A high-level meeting held at the Pakistan Airports Authority headquarters in Karachi reviewed plans for the revival of several dormant airports as part of a wider aviation infrastructure rehabilitation drive.

Sources said officials were directed to expedite work on restoring operations at airports in Dera Ismail Khan, Turbat, Dalbandin, and Saidu Sharif. The meeting also examined the reopening of facilities at Sukkur, New Gwadar, and other airports under the broader plan to strengthen the country’s air transport network.

The move follows recent efforts by the Ministry of Defence and the Pakistan Airports Authority to bring non-operational airports back into service. Earlier this month, Dera Ismail Khan Airport resumed operations after remaining inactive for several years.

Officials said the Ministry of Defence has asked the aviation authority to fast-track the restoration of inactive airports nationwide in order to improve connectivity, support economic activity, and provide better access to distant regions.

The meeting also discussed matters related to a new private airline, although no further details were shared.

The session was chaired by Pakistan Airports Authority Director General Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed and attended by senior officials from the airport services, engineering, and commercial departments.