Islamabad Airport Hits a Milestone – But What Does It Really Mean for Pakistan’s Economy?
In a time when Pakistan’s economic news often paints a grim picture, some stories shine through with a glimmer of hope. While at first glance this might seem like a dry statistic, it represents something far more significant: the potential resurgence of regional trade activity, logistical innovation, and the growing role of air freight in Pakistan’s economic future.
More Than Just Airplanes – A New Era for Islamabad’s Cargo Operations
The successful launch and operational expansion of SF Cargo are more than just an aviation update. It signals the beginning of a potentially transformative phase for Islamabad International Airport, which has long played second fiddle to Karachi and Lahore in terms of cargo volume.
Dedicated cargo flights are a game-changer in the freight business. Unlike commercial passenger flights that carry cargo as a side function, dedicated cargo planes can transport significantly more goods, and they’re tailored to the needs of importers and exporters alike.
“This kind of development helps open new avenues for businesses that rely on fast and reliable delivery,” said an Islamabad-based logistics consultant. “In today’s world, where supply chain speed can make or break a business, air cargo gives Pakistani businesses a crucial edge—especially for high-value, low-weight items like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and textiles.”
Pakistan-China Trade Route Strengthens
Another interesting aspect of this development is the route itself—Urumqi to Islamabad. Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang, China, and a central hub in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), of which the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a key component.
By strengthening air connectivity between Urumqi and Islamabad, SF Cargo is effectively reinforcing the broader trade corridor between Pakistan and China. This isn’t just about fast shipping—it’s about deepening economic ties and giving Pakistani traders access to the vast Chinese market, and vice versa.
This recent uptick in cargo throughput collection shows that, slowly but surely, things are getting back on track.
Moreover, cargo throughput charges are a vital revenue stream for airports. These charges cover services like cargo handling, terminal use, and security, and they also signal how active a cargo terminal is. A jump in CTC means not only are more goods flowing through, but services are being utilized more intensively—an indirect sign of growing trade confidence.
Voices from the Ground: What Stakeholders Are Saying
To get a clearer picture, we reached out to a few stakeholders in Islamabad’s freight and export industry.
Ali Raza, a small-scale exporter of leather goods, shared his optimism: “Air freight used to be so unreliable or expensive for us. But with new cargo carriers entering the scene, we’re seeing competitive rates and faster delivery windows. That makes a huge difference when you’re exporting time-sensitive orders.”
On the logistics side, Sara Zubair, a freight forwarder operating at IIAP, added, “SF Cargo’s entry and their dedicated frequency make our planning easier. Clients are getting their shipments on time, and we’re seeing lower delays in customs clearance too. The infrastructure at IIAP has also improved—though we still have a long way to go.”
The Bigger Picture – Can Air Cargo Help Revive Pakistan’s Exports?
Pakistan’s export sector has long suffered from bottlenecks—high transportation costs, inconsistent customs procedures, and poor infrastructure among them. While sea freight is essential for bulk cargo, air freight offers a crucial alternative for fast-moving, high-value exports.
But tapping into this potential requires more than just a few weekly flights. It calls for a coordinated strategy that includes:
- Investment in cold storage and modern cargo terminals
- Fast-tracking customs procedures
- Training and digital solutions for logistics companies
- Public-private partnerships to expand regional air connectivity
What’s Next for Islamabad Airport?
The PAA has indicated that SF Cargo plans to double its weekly frequency—a promising sign. But this should also serve as a wake-up call for other carriers and cargo operators.
If Islamabad can position itself as a cargo hub for Central and South Asia, it could relieve pressure from congested ports like Karachi and open up new revenue streams—not just for the airport, but for the entire ecosystem around it.
