After the independence of Pakistan, a part of Chaklala Airbase was used to provide traveling facilities to the residents
of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and the surrounding Pottohar region. Over time, several structural changes were made to the
terminal to cope with increasing passenger traffic. Eventually, the original terminal (later named Benazir Bhutto International Airport)
became insufficient for the growing demand.
The ground stone of the Islamabad International Airport (ICAO: OPIS) was laid on 7th April 2007
and it was formally inaugurated on 20th April 2018 for regular international and domestic flights.
The new Islamabad Airport is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, utilizing infrastructure optimally
to assist travelers with minimal inconvenience.
IIAP is spread over 19 square kilometers with 15 passenger boarding bridges, including facilities to
accommodate two double-decker Airbus A380s—the world’s largest airplane. The airport features 15 remote bays,
3 cargo bays, and two 3,600-meter long runways.
As the capital's primary airport, it handles V-VIPs, foreign delegates, and business communities, with a total
capacity to manage 9 million passengers annually.
The facility includes seven check-in zones (112 counters total), a five-level security system, a food court,
a movie theater, children’s play areas, and parking for 2,200 vehicles.