ISLAMABAD: The Minister of Finance and Revenue (Finance Division) has approved the outsourcing of the Islamabad International Airport for a period of 15 years.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has recently issued a tender for the outsourcing of Islamabad Airport. The regulator said a fee of $5,000 should be submitted along with the tender by November 8.
The previous government had decided to outsource Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi airports. The steering committee formed by the former prime minister decided to outsource Islamabad airport in the first phase.
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet had also approved outsourcing of Islamabad International Airport through international competitive bidding.
Earlier Former Federal Aviation Minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq said that Islamabad Airport was being outsourced for 15 years to improve its operational activities.
He dispelled concerns and said that outsourcing does not mean that airports are being sold and no employee would lose their jobs.
He clarified that the move does not equate to privatisation, instead, it aims to bring in proficient operators to enhance airport operations. He mentioned that the runway and navigation operations would not be included in the outsourcing process.
The federal minister emphasized that open competitive bidding would be ensured, allowing the best bidder to be given the opportunity to operate the airport.
The International Finance Corporation will serve as the consultant, and 12 to 13 companies have shown interest in participating in the bidding process. He assured that the process would be transparent and adhere to all rules and regulations.
Highlighting the success of outsourced airports in other countries like India and Turkey, he mentioned that even Madina airport has been efficiently outsourced to deliver enhanced services.
