Multan International Airport: Difference between revisions
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==History== |
==History== |
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[[File:Multan Airport Old Terminal - Landside.jpg|thumb|left|Old Terminal (landside)]] |
[[File:Multan Airport Old Terminal - Landside.jpg|thumb|left|Old Terminal (landside)]] |
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Multan International Airport traces its origins to the [[British Empire]], when the [[Royal Air Force]] used the open space to fly in and out of the region during 1919.<ref>http://www.airplane-pictures.net/photo/86230/g-aiwc-air-contractors-douglas-dc-3/ Air Contractors DC-3, Parked at Multan, Pakistan</ref> The area was used for aircraft that were able to land on gravel and grass surfaces. In 1934, [[Imperial Airways]] started to use the airfield for civil aircraft flights since Multan was considered a strategic position in the Punjab province of [[India]]. It was not until 1938 that Imperial Airways started to operate regular flights out of Multan. The flight would originate in [[Lahore]], then fly into [[Multan]], where it would continue its journey to [[Jacobabad]] and then [[Karachi]]. |
Multan International Airport is also known as Muhammad Bin Qasim International Airport traces its origins to the [[British Empire]], when the [[Royal Air Force]] used the open space to fly in and out of the region during 1919.<ref>http://www.airplane-pictures.net/photo/86230/g-aiwc-air-contractors-douglas-dc-3/ Air Contractors DC-3, Parked at Multan, Pakistan</ref> The area was used for aircraft that were able to land on gravel and grass surfaces. In 1934, [[Imperial Airways]] started to use the airfield for civil aircraft flights since Multan was considered a strategic position in the Punjab province of [[India]]. It was not until 1938 that Imperial Airways started to operate regular flights out of Multan. The flight would originate in [[Lahore]], then fly into [[Multan]], where it would continue its journey to [[Jacobabad]] and then [[Karachi]]. |
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Following the independence of Pakistan from the British, Pak Air, a new airline to the dominion, started operations from Multan Airport. [[Multan Flying Club]] was also set up at the Airport within the same year. It was not until the birth of the national flag carrier, [[Pakistan International Airlines]] in 1957, that PIA started operations from Airport using [[Douglas DC-3]] aircraft. In 1963, due to growth of the number of flights and larger aircraft requirements, the runway, taxi-ways and aprons where carpeted using [[bitumen]]. A new control tower was constructed to meet the technological changes at that time. In 1971, as PIA had acquired [[Boeing]] aircraft, the runway was extended to 9000' by 100' to handle heavier aircraft and more passengers. The Airport terminal building was extended in 1977 which also saw the airport handle Boeing 720 aircraft. In 1980–88, the airport runway was strengthened and re-carpeted for the arrival of the [[Airbus A300]]. It was not until 1999, that [[PIA]] and private airline [[Aero Asia International|Aero Asia]] that gave airport an international status. Flights began to the [[Middle East]] such as [[Dubai]] and [[Kuwait]]. |
Following the independence of Pakistan from the British, Pak Air, a new airline to the dominion, started operations from Multan Airport. [[Multan Flying Club]] was also set up at the Airport within the same year. It was not until the birth of the national flag carrier, [[Pakistan International Airlines]] in 1957, that PIA started operations from Airport using [[Douglas DC-3]] aircraft. In 1963, due to growth of the number of flights and larger aircraft requirements, the runway, taxi-ways and aprons where carpeted using [[bitumen]]. A new control tower was constructed to meet the technological changes at that time. In 1971, as PIA had acquired [[Boeing]] aircraft, the runway was extended to 9000' by 100' to handle heavier aircraft and more passengers. The Airport terminal building was extended in 1977 which also saw the airport handle Boeing 720 aircraft. In 1980–88, the airport runway was strengthened and re-carpeted for the arrival of the [[Airbus A300]]. It was not until 1999, that [[PIA]] and private airline [[Aero Asia International|Aero Asia]] that gave airport an international status. Flights began to the [[Middle East]] such as [[Dubai]] and [[Kuwait]]. |
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Revision as of 19:11, 3 June 2015
Multan International Airport مُلتان بین الاقوامی ہوائی اڈہ | |||||||||||
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| File:Multan Airport logo.jpg | |||||||||||
| File:Landside View of Multan Airport.jpg | |||||||||||
| Summary | |||||||||||
| Airport type | Public/Military | ||||||||||
| Owner | Government of Pakistan | ||||||||||
| Operator | Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority | ||||||||||
| Serves | Multan | ||||||||||
| Location | Punjab, Pakistan | ||||||||||
| Elevation AMSL | 400 ft / 122 m | ||||||||||
| Coordinates | 30°12′12″N 071°25′09″E / 30.20333°N 71.41917°E | ||||||||||
| Website | Multan International Airport | ||||||||||
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| Runways | |||||||||||
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Multan International Airport (Urdu: مُلتان بین الاقوامی ہوائی اڈہ) (IATA: MUX, ICAO: OPMT) is situated 4 km west of the city Multan in Punjab, Pakistan.[1] It was originally built to cater mainly to the population of Multan, however as the airport gained much popularity traffic from surrounding areas which included Vehari, Lodhran, Khanewal, Shorkot, Muzaffargarh, Kot Adu, Layyah, Rajanpur, Burewala, Chichawatni and Sahiwal.
History
Multan International Airport is also known as Muhammad Bin Qasim International Airport traces its origins to the British Empire, when the Royal Air Force used the open space to fly in and out of the region during 1919.[2] The area was used for aircraft that were able to land on gravel and grass surfaces. In 1934, Imperial Airways started to use the airfield for civil aircraft flights since Multan was considered a strategic position in the Punjab province of India. It was not until 1938 that Imperial Airways started to operate regular flights out of Multan. The flight would originate in Lahore, then fly into Multan, where it would continue its journey to Jacobabad and then Karachi.
Following the independence of Pakistan from the British, Pak Air, a new airline to the dominion, started operations from Multan Airport. Multan Flying Club was also set up at the Airport within the same year. It was not until the birth of the national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines in 1957, that PIA started operations from Airport using Douglas DC-3 aircraft. In 1963, due to growth of the number of flights and larger aircraft requirements, the runway, taxi-ways and aprons where carpeted using bitumen. A new control tower was constructed to meet the technological changes at that time. In 1971, as PIA had acquired Boeing aircraft, the runway was extended to 9000' by 100' to handle heavier aircraft and more passengers. The Airport terminal building was extended in 1977 which also saw the airport handle Boeing 720 aircraft. In 1980–88, the airport runway was strengthened and re-carpeted for the arrival of the Airbus A300. It was not until 1999, that PIA and private airline Aero Asia that gave airport an international status. Flights began to the Middle East such as Dubai and Kuwait.
Recent developments
As the demand for air travel began to surge, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority decided to upgrade the facilities for the airport in 2005.[3] Initially the runway was upgraded to handle Boeing 747 operations at a cost of Rs 720m and was completed within the same year. On 15 December 2006, Shaheen Air started four weekly flights from Karachi to Multan.[4] The airport also reported an operating profit of Rs 1bn within that year.[5]
It was in December 2007, that Director General CAA, Farooq Rehmatullah held a press conference that the terminal building would be expanded as well as airside facilities at a cost of Rs4.5bn.[6] It was in April 2009 that the work started with the runway, taxi ways and apron so the airport could handle large aircraft.[7] The ground breaking ceremony was held by the then PM Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani. Pakistan-based Engineering Consultants International Limited (ECIL) was awarded the contract to extend the runway and terminal building.[8]
In January 2010, the Pakistan CAA decided that a brand new terminal with four jet bridges would be constructed instead of expanding the current terminal.[9] In June 2010, PM Yousuf Raza Gilani carried out the ground breaking ceremony for the terminal building and inaugurated the first PIA Being 747 Hajj flight on the 28th October 2010.
During 2011, PIA introduced weekly flights for Jeddah and Medina. FlyDubai announced thrice a week flights between Multan and Dubai with Boeing 737-800 from 14 March 2013 and became first foreign airline to operate from the airport post independence. Shaheen Air International restarted its daily operation from Karachi with Boeing 737 in February 2012 and Bhoja Air launched two weekly flights from Karachi with Boeing 737-200 in March 2012. Air Indus announced daily service for Multan – Karachi from 20 August 2013. Shaheen Air International started twice-a-week flight service for Multan – Dubai sector from 31 March 2013. Shaheen Air International announced two weekly flights between Multan and Medina from 1 June 2013. Pakistan International Airlines started two weekly direct flights for Jeddah & Medina from January 2014. Pakistan International Airlines announced weekly service for Multan – Sharjah sector from 30 March 2014. Shaheen Air International announced twice a week service for Jeddah - Multan sector from December-2014. Airblue announced to start twice a week flight service for Islamabad from 3 April-2015. Airblue also announced to start twice a week service for Jeddah from 4 April-2015 & twice a week service for Sharjah from 10 April-2015. Qatar Airways announced to start 3 times a week service for Doha - Multan sector from 1 August-2015. Air Arabia announced 4 weekly flights for Sharjah - Multan sector from 1 May-2015. FlyDubai announced to increase its 3 times weekly service to daily flights for Multan from 26 May-2015. Air Arabia also announced to increase its service to daily flights for Multan from 31 May-2015.
In March 2015, new terminal of Multan International Airport was formally inaugurated by PM Nawaz Sharif with former PM Yousuf Raza Gilani as well as several high-ranking officials.[10] All operations have now shifted from the old terminal to the new one with flights increasing with more destinations and routes being opened up for the city of Multan. A cargo complex of international standard has also been established with a capacity of 10,000 metric tonnes per year to host international cargo flights from Multan which will boost exports of fruits particularly mangoes and vegetables. There are plans that this would further increase to 30,00 metric tonnes every year.
Structure
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Multan International Airport is fitted with all the essentials for domestic and international flights with the inauguration of the new terminal. The information below is correct as of April 2015.[11]
- Lounges
- One business class lounge for premium passengers.
- One domestic economy class lounge.
- One international economy class lounge.
- One CIP lounge for VVIP and foreign diplomats.
- Subway, Pizza Hut, Dunkin Donuts, refreshment and gift shops available within lounge.
- Duty Free shop available in the international departure lounge. (opening soon)
- Free Wateen Wifi facilities.
- Prayer rooms available in the Departure Lounge separately for Ladies & Gents.
- Apron
- Two boarding jet bridges. (Two additional bridges under construction).
- Two wide-body & Two narrow-body aircraft nose in parking available.[12]
- Equipped with complete airfield lighting system (dimensions: 755' x 475' with 35' shoulders)
- Runway
- ILS/DME VOR/NDB equipped 18/36 runway (dimensions: 10,512' X 151' with 25' shoulders on each side).
- Capable of handling up to Boeing 747, Boeing 777 & A-340 aircraft.
- Instrument Landing System & Cat-I AFL System.[13]
- High Intensity Lighting System.
- Parallel taxi-way running alongside Runway 18/36 for speedy exit and departure.
- Emergency alternative for Islamabad and Lahore.
- Airport Services
- Pakistan State Oil provide fuel services to all airlines flying out of the airport. (Jet A-100)
- Fire fighting and Rescue Services. ICAO Category-9.[14]
- NDB operations available 24/7.
- FIDS systems located in the lounges and briefing concourses showing television programs and flight information.
- Airport Mosque located outside the terminal on the right hand side.
- Baggage Trolleys for all arriving / Departing passengers on complimentary basis.
- CAA Porter services.
- Facility for Assistance to Senior Citizens / Special Person.
- Airport Medical Centre located adjacent to CAA Mosque.
- CAA Facilitation/ Information Helpdesks at Arrival, Departure, CIP lounges & Concourse Hall.
- Rent A Car facility and Metro Radio Cab Services.
- Custom and Immigration for international flights
- Aerodrome Reference Code: 4C.
- NBP counter available for banking services.
- ATM from Allied Bank (linked to MNET, 1LINK, and China UnionPay) working 24/7.
- Airline Ticketing offices (PIA, Shaheen Air, Airblue, Air Indus, Flydubai & Air Arabia).
- Ground Handling Agents
- Pakistan International Airlines.
- Shaheen Airport Services (SAPS).
- Airblue
- Royal Airport Services (RAS).
- Flying Schools/ Institutions
- Multan Flying Club
- Additional
- Multan Meteorology Department
- Ramada Hotels counter
- Foreign Currency Exchange Counter
Airlines and destinations
| Airlines | Destinations |
|---|---|
| Air Arabia | Sharjah [15] |
| Airblue | Islamabad, Jeddah, Sharjah |
| Air Indus | Karachi |
| Flydubai | Dubai-International |
| Pakistan International Airlines | Dubai-International, Faisalabad, Islamabad, Jeddah, Karachi, Lahore, Medina, Quetta, Sharjah |
| Qatar Airways | Doha (begins 1 August 2015)[16] |
| Shaheen Air | Dubai-International, Jeddah, Karachi, Medina |
Access
Car
Multan International airport is situated in the well populated area of cantonment and it is easily accessible through Airport Road by using Qasim Road from any part of the city. There is a drop off lane at the front of the terminal as well as a wide car parking area which can accommodate more than 400 vehicles.
Taxi
Metro Radio Cab Services provides service directly from the airport and their counter is situated at the landside of the terminal to book the cab.
Private Rent A Car facility is also available at the airport.
Rickshaw
There are also a number of traditional rickshaws available at the airport parking area & entrance which are quite popular to travel short distance within the city.
Train
Multan Cantonment railway station is the nearest railway station only less than 3 Km away from the airport to get the railway connections for the other parts of country.
Statistics
The following table provides details of the major traffic flows out of Multan in terms of passenger numbers, aircraft movements, cargo as well as mail. The results were collected by the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan:[17]
| Year | Aircraft movements (Commercial) | Passengers (Intl. & Domestic) | Cargo handled (M. Tons) | Mail handled (M. Tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006-07 | 3,910 | 240,573 | 1,273 | 49.52 |
| 2007-08 | 3,943 | 250,661 | 932 | 31.966 |
| 2008-09 | 2,474 | 237,358 | 1,006 | 27.59 |
Incidents and accidents
- On 10 July 2006 a Fokker F-27 Friendship took off from Multan International Airport. Flight PK688 suffered engine problems soon after take-off, causing the pilot to lose control. The aircraft crashed in a nearby grassy field, causing it to catch fire on impact leaving all 54 passengers and crew dead.
See also
- List of airports in Pakistan
- Airlines of Pakistan
- Transport in Pakistan
- Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority
References
- ^ http://www.multaninternationalairport.com.pk Multan International Airport
- ^ http://www.airplane-pictures.net/photo/86230/g-aiwc-air-contractors-douglas-dc-3/ Air Contractors DC-3, Parked at Multan, Pakistan
- ^ http://www.historyofpia.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=10401 Multan International Airport Runway Repair To Cost Rs 720m
- ^ Shaheen Air International News Releases
- ^ http://dailytimes.com.pk/Multan-Earns-One-Billion-Profit/ PIA Multan Earns Over Rs 1bn In 2007
- ^ http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/ CAA to spend Rs 4.5bn for Multan Airport upgradation
- ^ http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?id=721519&currPageNo=2&query=&search=&term=&supDate= Work On Multan International Airport Upgradation To Start In June
- ^ http://www.ecil.com/ Press Release: Multan Upgrade Project
- ^ http://www.caapakistan.com.pk/ CAA Tender Notices: Upgradation of Multan Airport
- ^ http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2015/03/10/business/multan-airport-opens-to-the-world/ airport opens to the world
- ^ http://www.multaninternationalairport.com.pk Multan International Airport
- ^ http://www.multaninternationalairport.com.pk Multan International Airport
- ^ http://www.multaninternationalairport.com.pk Multan International Airport
- ^ http://www.multaninternationalairport.com.pk Multan International Airport
- ^ http://www.airarabia.com
- ^ http://www.eturbonews.com/56139/qatar-airways-unveils-three-new-destinations-pakistan Qatar Airways announces three more destinations in Pakistan
- ^ Statistical Information of CAA Pakistan CAA Pakistan, assessed 8 March 2009
External links
- Template:WAD
- Airport information for OPMT at Great Circle Mapper. Source: DAFIF (effective October 2006).
- Current weather for OPMT at NOAA/NWS
- Accident history for MUX at Aviation Safety Network