Shocking revelations have emerged about the expenses and staffing at ten inactive airports across Pakistan. Despite being out of service, these airports continue to employ a total of 67 officers and officials, with combined annual expenses amounting to Rs21,542,176.
According to 24NewsHD TV Channel, only one out of these ten airports—Sehwan Sharif Airport—recorded any activity during the 2023–24 fiscal year, with 18 flights operated.
Ironically, the Sehwan airport has officially remained non-operational since 2010. Still, it employs 4 staff members with a recorded expenditure of Rs587,088 during the last financial year.
At Khuzdar Airport, which has been closed since 2002, there are still 8 staff members on payroll, with Rs1,016,328 spent in FY 2023–24.
Muzaffarabad Airport, non-functional since 2006, employs 9 staff and recorded expenses of Rs1,646,698.
Rawalakot Airport, also closed since 2006, has 10 personnel assigned and incurred a cost of Rs1,732,446 in the same fiscal period.
Bannu Airport, inactive since 2002, interestingly has no staff and incurred no expenses.
Parachinar Airport, shut since 2002, retains 5 employees with annual costs reaching Rs 812,596.
Jiwani Airport, closed since 2004, employs 3 staff and spent Rs445,095 last year.
Ormara Airport, inactive since 2010, also has 3 staff members and incurred expenses of Rs511,223.
Sibi Airport, closed since 2010, employs just one official but still cost Rs210,760 in 2023–24.
The most expensive among all is Dera Ismail Khan Airport, which has been non-operational since 2021 yet employs 24 staff members and 2 officers. The total expenditure for this airport in the past fiscal year was Rs5,534,942.
Despite being inactive, these airports continue to consume public funds, raising concerns over resource management, accountability, and transparency in the aviation sector.
Reporter: Rozina Ali