Today in Dubai, a crucial meeting of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is set to take place, focusing on the outsourcing of Islamabad International Airport.
According to ARY News, CAA officials have convened in Dubai to participate in this pivotal session, marking a significant step in the outsourcing process for Islamabad International Airport.
This gathering will see the participation of international firms that have expressed interest in becoming part of Islamabad Airport’s outsourcing initiative. It’s noteworthy that the federal government intends to implement a phased approach to outsourcing major airports nationwide.
Previously, the federal government had initiated the process by issuing tenders to solicit applications for outsourcing Islamabad International Airport for a duration of 15 years. The Civil Aviation Authority has stipulated that interested bidders are required to submit their applications along with a Rs5,000 fee to the CAA by November 8.
Recent developments reveal that the government has made the decision to outsource Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad International Airports. Notably, countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, China, and Saudi Arabia have expressed a keen interest in the outsourcing of all three airports.
In response to this decision, CAA unions launched a protest movement, and despite attempts at negotiation by Aviation Minister Khawaja Saad, talks have proven unsuccessful. CAA employees remain steadfast in their opposition to the outsourcing of airports, with a spokesperson for the CAA Union emphasising that the protest will persist until their demands are met.
