Peshawar, April 27, 2026: The long-inactive Parachinar Airport in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been restored and made operational again.
According to officials, the airport has been restored through the joint efforts of the Pakistan Army, Frontier Works Organization (FWO) and the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA).
The officials said that the airport underwent significant upgrading work carried out by the FWO. Following the completion of the renovation, the Pakistan Army Aviation conducted landing and takeoff trial operations on April 26.
A total of six successful test landings and takeoffs were carried out to assess runway performance, safety standards and overall operational readiness.
The officials confirmed that the airport’s runways now meet professional aviation standards and comply with high safety requirements.
They added that the revival of Parachinar Airport is a major development for the region, as it is expected to improve air connectivity, emergency response capabilities, and local economic activity.
This airport was built in the 1980s following the Russian invasion of Afghanistan to provide landing facilities for military aircraft.
It may be mentioned here that the airport in Chitral, one of the best tourist destinations, in northern Pakistan remains unutilized despite having all facilities and staff.
Despite assurances by the federal government, the authorities have failed to restore flights to Chitral for many years.