International cargo service from Quetta Airport soon: CAA

QUETTA: Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) officials have announced that the business community in Balochistan will soon receive a good news regarding the establishment of international cargo services from Quetta International Airport.

CAA’s Senior Additional Director of Faheem Yaar Khan, Senior Joint Director (Planning & Development) Architect Usama Khan, and Manager Waheed Abbas made the announcement while speaking during a meeting with office bearers and members of the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) on Wednesday.

The officials stated that the greater the volume of cargo operations, the more affordable and accessible air travel will become for the people and business community of the province. Land is being arranged for the construction of an international cargo terminal, and efforts are underway to initially launch services for perishable items, followed by other goods.

Earlier in the meeting, QCCI President Haji Muhammad Ayub Miriani, Senior Vice President Haji Akhtar Kakar, Vice President Engineer Mir Wais Khan Kakar, and others welcomed the CAA officials. They expressed regret over the absence of international cargo services at the Quetta International Airport, calling it a matter of concern. They said that if such a service is started, it would greatly benefit the farmers of Balochistan, who currently face difficulties due to poor road conditions, lack of freight train services, and limited transport options for agriculture and livestock products.

They pointed out that those wishing to export fresh fruits, vegetables, or meat—even to nearby destinations like Dubai—first have to send their goods to Karachi, as there is no international cargo facility in Quetta. The Chamber stressed the need for a robust international cargo service from Quetta, not only to benefit Balochistan but also neighbouring Afghanistan. They emphasized that while there is widespread rhetoric about boosting exports as essential for economic progress, the lack of concrete action is disappointing.

The Chamber urged the CAA, PIA, and Pakistan Airport Authority to take immediate steps to fulfill the longstanding demand of Balochistan’s business community and offered full cooperation in this regard. They also highlighted the urgent need for cargo services for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) established under CPEC.

Speaking on behalf of the CAA, officials reiterated that launching international cargo services from Quetta and Gwadar airports is among their top priorities. They confirmed ongoing negotiations with the Pakistan Air Force to acquire land for the cargo terminal at Quetta International Airport.

They emphasized that the more extensive the cargo operations at an airport, the more affordable air travel becomes for the public and businesses. Acknowledging the critical role of the business community in economic development, they expressed hope that international cargo services would soon begin from Quetta, starting with perishable exports and later expanding to other goods under long-term plans. They also called for the support of traders and industrialists from Balochistan to ensure success.

The officials also noted that the direct Quetta-Jeddah flights, a longstanding demand of the Chamber and the public, have now been launched, allowing people to travel directly for Haj, Umrah, and other purposes. At the end of the meeting, the QCCI presented a souvenir shield to the visiting officials.