Pakistan’s aviation sector is facing a significant operational decline as a large number of airports across the country have become inactive, while international flight operations have been suspended at three major airports. Despite having a vast network of airfields, only a small fraction remains fully functional, highlighting deep challenges for the nation’s civil aviation infrastructure.

According to official data, Pakistan has a total of 151 airports, airfields, or landing strips, ranging from small airstrips to major commercial terminals. However, only 10 airports are currently categorized as active or international-standard facilities. Among these, Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, Sialkot, Peshawar, Faisalabad and Quetta are the only airports that remain fully functional with regular operations and internationally recognized status.

Beyond these, New Gwadar International Airport, Skardu International Airport, and New Mirpur Airport technically hold international classification but are currently non-operational, with no domestic or foreign flights being handled. This has raised concerns over the underutilization of billion-rupee infrastructure investments, particularly in the case of the Gwadar airport, which has been completed but remains mostly deserted since its inauguration.

The state of Pakistan’s major airports paints a picture of limited international connectivity. While Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad are considered the country’s primary international gateways, the number of foreign flights arriving and departing each day remains remarkably low. In comparison to major global hubs, Pakistan’s busiest airports manage only a handful of international flights during daytime hours, significantly restricting the movement of travelers and limiting the aviation sector’s economic potential.

The aviation sector’s challenges are compounded by additional issues that have repeatedly surfaced in recent months. For instance, the Karachi airport’s modern artificial intelligence–based security system, which was installed with the cooperation of Japan, has become non-functional. Similarly, incidents such as the fire-damaged Saudi aircraft at Peshawar Airport, which only recently became operational again, highlight the vulnerability of airport facilities.

Despite official statements claiming that all Pakistani airports remain open and its airspace fully available for civil aviation, operational activity tells a different story. The reality is that the overwhelming majority of airports see little to no traffic, raising questions about planning, investment priorities and long-term management. With declining foreign flights, reduced airline partnerships and mounting economic pressures, Pakistan’s aviation capacity appears to be shrinking.

Current classifications show:

• 43 domestic-level airports with limited facilities or irregular operations
• 98 small airstrips used mainly for emergency landings, military aviation or seasonal flights
• Only 8 fully functional international airports with consistent operations

The underuse of airports—particularly high-cost international facilities—has become a key point of concern for economic planners, aviation experts and local residents. The lack of flights at strategic locations like Gwadar, which is central to regional trade ambitions, represents a missed opportunity for economic growth and international business engagement.

Experts argue that reviving Pakistan’s aviation system will require structural reforms, upgraded operations, transparent management and renewed partnerships with international airlines. Without such changes, the aviation network may continue to shrink, leaving Pakistan increasingly isolated from global air travel routes.