Quetta International Airport has achieved a significant milestone on the global stage, as its newly reconstructed runway was awarded the prestigious FIDIC Asia-Pacific Engineering Excellence Award. The announcement was made during an official ceremony held in Islamabad, where officials and engineering professionals from across the region gathered to recognize outstanding infrastructure achievements.
The award was presented to acknowledge the Pakistan Airports Authority and its project consultancy teams for their exceptional planning, engineering expertise, and commitment to safety throughout the runway’s reconstruction. The recognition also highlights the importance of modern, resilient infrastructure in advancing Pakistan’s aviation capabilities.
The reconstruction of the runway, which cost approximately PKR 5 billion, stands out not only for its technical standards but also for the way it was executed. In a remarkable feat of coordination and engineering, the project was completed without shutting down the airport’s operations. This allowed continuous air traffic, minimizing disruptions for passengers and airlines alike.
Engineers involved in the project report that the newly constructed runway now ranks among the longest and strongest rigid-pavement runways in the Asia-Pacific region. The structure has been designed to accommodate a wide range of aircraft, including heavy commercial jets, and is built with cutting-edge materials to ensure durability and long-term performance under varying weather and operational conditions.
The runway saw its inaugural landing on May 31, 2023, when Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Flight PK‑3250 arrived from Islamabad. Since then, it has played a vital role in improving flight safety and capacity at Quetta International Airport, while supporting growing air traffic demands in Balochistan and surrounding regions.
Aviation experts say the award not only boosts the international reputation of Pakistan’s airport infrastructure but also underscores the growing technical competence of local engineering and consultancy teams. As Pakistan continues to modernize its transport and aviation systems, the success of the Quetta runway project is expected to serve as a model for future airport developments across the country.
