Muhammad Saleem

The Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) has called for increasing the number of direct international flights from Faisalabad to fully capitalise on the district’s economic potential. “A significant room for growth is available for the aviation industry if there is an increase in the number of international flights from now-expanded Faisalabad airport,” said Rehan Naseem Bharara, the chamber’s president. “Such flights can act as a catalyst for boosting business activities, enabling national and international investors to easily land in the district.”

Bharara noted that Faisalabad is considered the backbone of the national economy because of its textile industry, which generates billions of dollars in foreign exchange. Besides, he said the sector is also a lifeline for millions of people, providing jobs directly and indirectly. “By improving travel facilities, we can actively showcase the potential and true colours of the textile sector to international buyers.”

“Due to the efforts of FCCI, direct international flights were started from Faisalabad in 2014-15.  At that time, there were 120 weekly flights, but that number declined to 80 during the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said, adding that currently only 32 national and foreign flights were taking off from Faisalabad airport weekly. He said a former FCCI executive committee member had been asked to furnish a report on the available cargo load in Faisalabad.

Muhammad Ahmed, an industrialist, told WealthPK that Faisalabad is contributing a lot to national economy, but it falls short when it comes to adequate cargo facilities. He urged the Civil Aviation Authority to reach out to the management of private airlines to convince them to start operations from Faisalabad. He said that Lahore and Sialkot airports are being used to tackle the cargo load of Faisalabad, which is not ideal. He said these two airports are being used for Faisalabad cargo as the latter lacks the scanner.

“Faisalabad also needs a flying club,” he suggested. He said during a recent briefing, the airport officials informed the business community that after the expansion of Faisalabad airport runway, even a Boeing 777 aircraft could land. He added that the airport officials also informed the business fraternity that Faisalabad airport had been declared the most secure and safe airport in the country. “When everything is in shape at the Faisalabad airport, the number of national and international flights should increase.”

Ijaz Ahmed, an exporter, told WealthPK that an increase in direct flights from Faisalabad would help boost tourism, draw in international investment, and cut down on corporate travel expenses and time. “Despite its robust industrial base and strategic location, Faisalabad is hindered by its poor connectivity. We need to take measures for increasing the number of direct flights so that Faisalabad can be established as a hub for regional economic activity.

Credit: INP-WealthPk