Turkish bid for Islamabad Airport receives technical nod

A Turkish company’s bid for the outsourcing of Islamabad International Airport (ISB/OPIS) has received technical approval, according to sources familiar with the process. The bid is now undergoing further evaluation before potentially being submitted to higher authorities for final approval according to media reports.

Turkish firm’s bid under review

The Turkish company’s proposal for the outsourcing of Islamabad International Airport is being carefully examined by a committee led by Pakistan’s aviation minister. The bid, which received technical clearance, is now under comprehensive review, and if successful, will be presented to the Pakistan Airports Authority Board for consideration.

According to the report by Gulf Today, this development follows the exclusion of two other firms from the process due to late submissions. The Turkish company reportedly submitted the highest bid for the project.

Final decision requires federal approval

In order for the bid to move forward, it must receive approval from both the Airports Authority Board and the federal cabinet. The bid evaluation process remains ongoing.

The outsourcing initiative is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to open up its three major airports – Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad – to international investment. Companies from Germany, France, the Netherlands, Qatar, the UAE, Malaysia and Türkiye, as well as local investors, have shown interest.

IGA’s previous involvement

Earlier in April, reports indicated that Istanbul Grand Airport (IGA) had expressed interest in Islamabad’s outsourcing plans. IGA representatives had met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss various infrastructure projects, including those related to airport management.