Saidu Sharif Airport

Saidu Sharif Airport is a domestic airport located in Saidu Sharif, the capital of Swat District, in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The airport is named after the city of Saidu Sharif, which is a major tourist destination in the region, attracting visitors from Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. The airport serves as a gateway to the Swat Valley, a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty, with attractions like Lake Mahodand, Miandam Valley, and Glacier of Falak Sar. The airport is also close to the Buddhist ruins of Takht-i-Bahi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overview

Saidu Sharif Airport is a small airport that operates domestic flights, connecting Saidu Sharif to major cities in Pakistan, including Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar. The airport is managed by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority and is equipped with basic facilities, including a terminal building, a runway, and a control tower. The airport is also used by the Pakistan Air Force for military operations, with nearby bases like Kamra Air Base and Mianwali Air Base. The airport's operations are supported by nearby airports, such as Benazir Bhutto International Airport and Allama Iqbal International Airport, which provide connections to international destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and London.

Location

Saidu Sharif Airport is located in the Swat District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, approximately 5 kilometers from the city center of Saidu Sharif. The airport is situated near the Swat River and is surrounded by mountains, making it a challenging location for aircraft operations. The airport is accessible by road from Saidu Sharif and other nearby cities, including Mingora and Kalam Valley. The airport is also close to the Karakoram Highway, which connects Pakistan to China and other neighboring countries, including Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

Facilities

Saidu Sharif Airport has basic facilities, including a terminal building, a runway, and a control tower. The airport has a single runway, which is approximately 1,400 meters long and 30 meters wide. The airport is equipped with basic navigation aids, including a VOR/DME and a NDB. The airport also has a small apron, which can accommodate a limited number of aircraft. The airport's facilities are supported by nearby airports, such as Jinnah International Airport and Quaid-e-Azam International Airport, which provide more comprehensive facilities and services. The airport is also close to the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, which is a major aircraft manufacturing and maintenance facility in Pakistan.

Airlines and Destinations

Saidu Sharif Airport is served by several domestic airlines, including Pakistan International Airlines, Airblue, and Serene Air. These airlines operate flights to major cities in Pakistan, including Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. The airport is also served by charter airlines, which operate flights to nearby cities, including Peshawar and Abbotabad. The airport's airlines and destinations are supported by nearby airports, such as Multan International Airport and Faisalabad International Airport, which provide connections to international destinations like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Kuwait City.

Statistics

Saidu Sharif Airport handles a limited number of passengers and cargo, with most of its traffic consisting of domestic flights. According to statistics, the airport handled approximately 10,000 passengers in 2020, with most of them traveling to and from Islamabad and Lahore. The airport also handled a small amount of cargo, including perishable goods and mail. The airport's statistics are supported by nearby airports, such as Sialkot International Airport and Quetta International Airport, which provide more comprehensive statistics and data on air traffic in Pakistan. The airport is also close to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, which provides data on economic indicators, including GDP and inflation rate, for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Category:Airports in Pakistan