Australian High Commission delegation inspects facilities at Skardu airport

GILGIT: A delegation from the Australian High Commission in Islamabad recently visited Skardu International Airport to review its facilities, emergency response readiness, and security arrangements.

According to a Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) spokesperson, the visiting team included Second Secretary and Consul Scott Gordon Macdonald-Golden, Manager Consular and Passports Wali Muhammad and Assistant Security Manager Nasir Abbas.

Upon arrival, the delegation was received by the airport manager, accompanied by the officer commanding (ASF), officer in-charge medical and the chief fire and rescue officer (CFRO).

The visit aimed to familiarize the delegation with the airport’s operational procedures and to ensure adequate support and safety measures are in place for Australian nationals, particularly tourists traveling to the region.

During the visit, the delegation toured the arrival and departure terminals, observed passenger handling procedures, and received briefings on Skardu Airport’s emergency preparedness and security protocols. The team also reviewed general passenger amenities and expressed satisfaction with the airport’s cleanliness, organization, and service quality.

“Skardu International Airport continues to play a pivotal role in promoting tourism in northern Pakistan. The airport is fully equipped and ready to welcome both domestic and international travelers,” the spokesperson added.

Skardu Airport is the only airport in northern Pakistan capable of accommodating larger airplanes, as the runways at both Gilgit and Chitral airports are too short for long-haul flights. It was declared an ‘international’ airport by former Prime Minister Imran Khan in December 2021; however, international flights could not operate due to the lack of an adequate refueling facility until August 14, 2023, when it welcomed its first international flight from Dubai.