Air travel in Pakistan reached a new milestone in 2025 as more than 26.8 million passengers passed through the country’s seven major airports. This steady rise shows growing demand for both domestic and international flights. The data, shared by the Pakistan Airports Authority, highlights strong activity at key airports, especially in Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore.
Karachi Remains the Busiest Airport
Jinnah International Airport in Karachi handled 8.5 million passengers, making it the country’s busiest airport. The traffic was almost evenly divided between domestic travelers (4.013 million) and international passengers (4.037 million). Its central role in trade and travel continues to strengthen its position as Pakistan’s main aviation hub.
Strong International Traffic in Islamabad and Lahore
Islamabad International Airport recorded 7.87 million passengers. A large share, 5.41 million, were international travelers, while 2.406 million flew domestically. Similarly, Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore handled 6.86 million passengers, with international travel accounting for 5.14 million.
These numbers show that overseas travel, especially to the Middle East and Europe, remains strong among Pakistani travelers.
Passenger Traffic at Other Airports
Smaller airports also contributed to the overall numbers, though at a lower scale.
| Airport | Total Passengers | International | Domestic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multan | 1.445 million | 1.365 million | 80,000 |
| Peshawar | 1.29 million | 1.06 million | Mostly international |
| Faisalabad | 470,000 | 420,000 | 50,000 |
| Quetta | 375,000 | Not specified | Not specified |
Airports like Multan and Peshawar mainly handled international flights, while Faisalabad and Quetta served fewer passengers overall.
Operational Challenges Continue
Despite the record numbers, officials admit that airport operations still face problems. Many passengers report long delays, last-minute flight cancellations, and limited facilities. Improving services and expanding infrastructure remain key priorities for authorities.
The strong passenger growth in 2025 reflects confidence in Pakistan’s aviation sector. However, maintaining service quality will be important as travel demand continues to rise in the coming years.
