Bahawalpur Airport

Bahawalpur International Airport is a key gateway connecting Bahawalpur to major domestic and international destinations, enhancing the region’s accessibility for travelers.

It is 5 kilometers from Bahawalpur city center or about 3 miles. This proximity means that it will usually take them between 10 and 15 minutes to access the airport when they are using a car, depending on the traffic jam.

General Information

• Location: Bahawalpur (BHV), Punjab, Pakistan
• Elevation: The small town is located 131 meters (430 feet) above sea level.
• Runway: The airport owns only one runway that caters for the domestic flights.

Bahawalpur Airport Flight Schedule

• Domestic Flights: The airport mainly caters to local travelers to provide connectivity to cities of Pakistan like Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad etc.
• International Flights: While Bahawalpur Airport predominantly handles domestic flights, it occasionally offers international services, primarily for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
• Airlines: Several airlines are known to fly from Bahawalpur Airport, one of which is the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

Bahawalpur Airport Contact Information

Airport Contact Details

• Airport Manager’s Office:
  • Phone: +92 62 925 2345
• General Inquiry:
  Phone: +92 62 925 1234

Airlines Operating

• Pakistan International Airlines (PIA):
• Phone: +92 21 111 786 786
• Website: www.piac.com.pk
• Other Domestic Airlines:
• Contact details may vary; please check the airline’s website or customer service for the most accurate information.

Additional Services

• Lost and Found:
• Phone: +92 62 925 5678
• Airport Information Desk:
• Located in the terminal, available for assistance with general inquiries and services.

Historical Background

Bahawalpur State was a princely state that joined Pakistan after the release of Pakistan in the year 1947, and the airport changed into a public airport under the operation of CAA of Pakistan.

Large numbers of passengers from Bahawalpur used the airport to travel to other cities and towns of the country for business, education, and other purposes over the years, especially in times when road transport and railways were not fully developed.

Architectural Design

The architectural design of Bahawalpur Airport is rather basic and mechanistic, due to practicality and the nature of Bahawalpur being a regional city. The structure was designed in a contemporary style, with a clear focus on function over form, but a splash of classic design is also included. The structure is constructed to endure the local climate, which includes heat and dust that are common in the area.

The architectural style of this airport is not impressive, but it does not have to be; it is functionally sound and, therefore, meets the traveler’s needs. The design also caters to any expansion in the structure’s future, as it has open spaces and block foundations that allow easy addition of spaces as and when required.

Altogether, looking at the history and the establishment of the Airport Bahawalpur, it emerged that the facility has a supreme and substantive connection with the growth and development of the region. Over the years, it has grown from a mere strip where a princely state could ply its aircraft to a fine airport that today serves Bahawalpur badly in its quest to link up with the other parts of Pakistan.

Bahawalpur Airport Terminal Facilities

1. Terminal Building:
At Airport Bahawalpur, the smaller terminal has been constructed to accommodate only domestic flights. It is a one-story complex with all the facilities travelers may require.
The terminal is functionally divided into arrival and departure zones and has three domestic lounges. The accommodation, though simple, includes a sitting area, washrooms, and a simple kitchen like an eating point.

2. Runway:
Bahawalpur Airport has an asphalt-surfaced, single runway measuring 2,743 m (9,000 feet) in length. It can accommodate class C aircraft, including small to medium aircraft suitable for local flights.
The runway has minimal lighting and other navigating facilities to support operations at night and during the day.

3. Air Traffic Control Tower:
The airport has a working ATC tower that controls all flights in and out of the airport. The ATC also specializes in take-off, landing, and on-aircraft movements on and within the airport’s airspace. Bahawalpur International Airport is a vital transportation hub, offering flights to major cities in Pakistan and select international destinations. It provides modern facilities, making travel easier for tourists and regional residents.

4. Parking and Ground Services:
There is a small courtyard where one can park a car and a taxi next to the terminal building. Because of the airport’s capability in terms of space, there is usually enough parking for the traffic that the airport receives.
Facilities in the apron include ground handling services, security checks for passengers, baggage, and mail, as well as aircraft compound and minor required plane servicing.

5. Future expansion:
Over time, Bahawalpur (BHV) has emerged as a central area in the region, and with other areas such as DHA Bahawalpur in growth, there has been talk of enhancing the airport. This could have called for the runway’s elongation, the terminal’s expansion, and the provision of better facilities due to a growing traffic volume.

Notable Incidents and Accidents at Bahawalpur Airport

1. 1989 Pakistan Air Force Crash:
   • Date: March 1989
   • Incident: A Pakistan Air Force aircraft, a F-7P, crashed during a training exercise near Bahawalpur Airport. Fortunately, the pilot ejected safely, and there were no civilian casualties.
2. 2014 Emergency Landing:
   • Date: September 2014
   • Incident: A commercial flight was forced to make an emergency landing at Bahawalpur Airport due to technical issues. The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew members were unharmed.
3. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Incident:
   • Date: Various
   • Incident: There have been several minor incidents reported involving PIA flights landing at Bahawalpur, primarily related to technical issues or weather conditions, leading to delays rather than accidents.
4. Helicopter Emergency Landings:
   • Date: Various
   • Incident: Helicopters from government and private organizations have occasionally made emergency landings at Bahawalpur Airport due to technical malfunctions or adverse weather, but these have typically resulted in no injuries.
5. Runway Incidents:
   • Date: Various
   • Incident: There have been instances of minor runway incidents involving commercial aircraft, often related to wildlife on the runway or landing gear malfunctions. These incidents were generally resolved without injuries.

Safety and Operations

Bahawalpur Airport has implemented various safety measures and operational protocols to mitigate the risk of accidents, including regular maintenance checks and collaboration with aviation authorities.

FAQ’S