Pakistan finalizes G2G deal with UAE for Islamabad Airport operations

August 29, 2025 (MLN): The government of Pakistan has finalized arrangements for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to assume operations of Islamabad International Airport under a government-to-government (G2G) framework.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Inter-Governmental Commercial Transactions (CCoIGCT), chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The committee approved a framework agreement with the UAE for the transfer of airport operations.

To settle the details, a negotiation committee has been established, led by the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Privatisation and comprising representatives from the Ministries of Defence, Finance, Law and Justice, and Privatisation.

This development marks the beginning of Pakistan’s strategy to outsource the management of key airports under G2G arrangements, a move designed to attract foreign partners for infrastructure upgrades and efficiency improvements at state-owned assets.

Islamabad International Airport, inaugurated in 2018, has struggled with operational and financial issues. Officials expect the partnership with the UAE to enhance service quality, introduce professional management practices, and strengthen investor confidence.

The meeting was attended by the petroleum minister, the prime minister’s adviser on privatisation, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, federal secretaries, and senior officials from concerned ministries.

Copyright Mettis Link News