ISLAMABAD -UNS: Dera Ismail Khan (DI Khan) is poised to become a major aviation and economic hub with the proposed York Greenfield International Airport, one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects envisioned for southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
Strategically located at the crossroads of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Balochistan, the proposed airport is expected to strengthen regional connectivity, boost trade and investment, and create significant economic opportunities.
Land Area and Strategic Location
According to the proposed master plan, the airport will cover more than 1,817 acres, making it a major aviation infrastructure development.
One of its key advantages is its planned direct connectivity with the 292-kilometre-long M-14 Motorway, providing convenient access for passengers and cargo from Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other major cities.
Runway and Aircraft Capacity
The proposed airport is expected to feature a runway of approximately 11,000 feet, potentially allowing it to accommodate large wide-body aircraft, including Boeing 777s, subject to final runway specifications and operational approvals.
The master plan also envisages parallel taxiways and an expansive aircraft apron, enabling multiple aircraft to park simultaneously and improving ground-handling efficiency.
Passenger and Cargo Handling Capacity
The airport is projected to handle more than one million passengers annually, alongside substantial international cargo operations.
Its planned infrastructure includes:
- A modern passenger terminal.
- Passenger boarding bridges for convenient aircraft access.
- Spacious aircraft parking aprons.
- Dedicated cargo handling facilities.
- Extensive passenger parking areas.
- A separate camp and operational facilities for the Airport Security Force (ASF).
A New Economic Gateway for the Region
The proposed York Greenfield International Airport could play an important role in strengthening regional trade, transportation and logistics.
Its strategic location may create new opportunities for agricultural exports, industrial development, commercial investment and connectivity with international markets.
The project is also expected to generate employment opportunities for local communities, while supporting the broader economic potential of southern KP and neighbouring regions.
A Potential Game-Changer for Southern KP
If completed according to its proposed master plan, York Greenfield International Airport could emerge as a major aviation and economic gateway, connecting southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with national and international markets.
It represents a potentially transformative development for Dera Ismail Khan and the wider region of KP, Punjab and Balochistan.
