In Baluchistan, Pakistan, Turbat International Airport (TUK) has the largest land area. The airport, which is only 5 km south of Turbat City, started operating in the 1970s. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had it set up to accommodate smaller propeller-driven aircraft back then. The CAA and the local administration worked together in 2009 to bring Turbat Airport up to code. This involved enlarging the apron area to handle more flights, constructing a control tower, and adding new lounges.
In this blog, Graana.com will present a detailed account of Turbat airport.
Location of Turbat Airport
Turbat is currently the 2nd largest airport in Baluchistan, after Quetta International Airport. It covers not just Turbat but also the surrounding towns of Kalatak, Pidarak, and Karkiabdar.
As a result, it is a busy airport that handles more than 90 flights a month, including both military and commercial aircraft. The city of Turbat is in Pakistan’s southern region of Baluchistan. The administrative headquarters of Kech District is this busy centre.
Turbat flows by the Kech River, which Balochis refer to as Kech Kaur, whispering stories of its former life as the Makran State’s capital. Turbat is the 2nd-biggest city in Baluchistan, after Quetta, and the 38th largest city in all of Pakistan.
It’s interesting to note that this is the largest city in the province’s southern region. Turbat is 180 kilometres to the southwest, where you’ll find the busy Gwadar Port.
Flights and Destinations
| Airlines | Destinations |
| Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) | Dalbandin, Gwadar, Karachi, Muscat, Sharjah |
Flight Operations
| Airport Status: | Operational |
| Facility Use: | Public |
| Type: | Airport |
| Traffic Pattern Altitude (MSL): | 1498 feet (457 m) |
History of Turbat International Airport
The Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan constructed a simple runway in the middle of the 1970s that was appropriate for light propeller aircraft.
Following a short time, this route was served by Fokker F-27 Friendship aircraft operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Because there weren’t many flights at the airport in those days, PIA even oversaw their own ground operations.
The airport saw upgrades throughout the 1980s, including the addition of a family briefing area in 1983, a specialised air traffic control facility that same year, and an updated main entrance road that complied with international standards by 1984.
When Pakistan State Oil constructed a plant in 1994 to supply fuel for aviation for the airport, it was a noteworthy contribution. The establishment of a new CAA administrative office and a state-of-the-art ATC building in 2000 signalled a significant upgrading.
The 2000s saw the continuation of development plans, however late in 2023 there was an important release. To provide more local and international travel alternatives, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) launched a proposal to convert Turbat Airport into a hub ready to handle jet airliners. This renovation represents a significant advancement for Turbat’s infrastructure and is anticipated to be finished in 18 months.
Routes of Domestic and International Flights
There are flights to and from Turbat International Airport (TUK), both domestic and international.
Domestic Routes
Among the domestic locations are:
- Gwadar (GWD)
- Quetta (UET)
- Dalbandin (DBA)
- Karachi (KHI)
International Routes
International locations consist of:
- Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (SHJ)
- Muscat, Oman (MCT)
Pakistan International Airlines is the main airline that operates these routes (PIA). Although Turbat and Islamabad don’t currently have direct flights, Karachi is a convenient hub for connecting flights.
Turbat Weather
Turbat, Pakistan’s Baluchistan, is renowned for its intense heat. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) reports that on May 28, 2017, it reached an incredible 53.7 degrees Celsius (128.7 degrees Fahrenheit), setting a record for one of the hottest spots on Earth.
It ranks in the top four warmest temperatures documented worldwide based on this reading.
Top 10 Airports in Pakistan
Following are the top airports of Pakistan.
- Jinnah International Airport (Karachi)
- Allama Iqbal International Airport (Lahore)
- Islamabad International Airport (Islamabad)
- Quaid-e-Azam International Airport (Sialkot)
- Bacha Khan International Airport (Peshawar)
- Faisalabad International Airport (Faisalabad)
- Multan International Airport (Multan)
- Allama Iqbal International Airport (Sialkot)
- Gwadar International Airport (Gwadar)
- Nawabshah Airport (Nawabshah)
Jinnah International Airport (Karachi)
The biggest and busiest airport in Pakistan is Jinnah International Airport, which is situated in Karachi. It connects Pakistan to several locations across the globe by acting as a significant centre for both local and international travel.
Allama Iqbal International Airport (Lahore)
Allama Iqbal airport, which is the second biggest in Pakistan, is in Lahore. Renowned for its state-of-the-art amenities, it is an essential hub for the densely populated Punjab region, making travel and trade easier.
Islamabad International Airport (Islamabad)
Serving Islamabad, the nation’s capital, and the surrounding territories is the primary airport. With its cutting-edge technology and infrastructure, Islamabad Airport serves as a major entry point for both domestic and foreign travellers.
Quaid-e-Azam International Airport (Sialkot)
This airport, which serves the city of Sialkot, has grown in recognition as a vital resource for Pakistan’s centred around exports businesses. It is essential to the flow of both people and products.
Bacha Khan International Airport (Peshawar)
This airport, which serves the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the surrounding areas, is situated in Peshawar. It is vital to the nation’s overall connectivity with this historically important region.
Faisalabad International Airport (Faisalabad)
An important airport that supports both cargo and commercial aircraft, Faisalabad is an industrial city that boosts the local economy.
Multan International Airport (Multan)
Multan International Airport, which serves southern Punjab and the neighbouring regions, is a major entry point for people and goods into this region of the nation.
Allama Iqbal International Airport (Sialkot)
In contrast to the airport of the same name in Lahore, this one supports the industrial and commercial operations of Sialkot and the surrounding area.
Gwadar International Airport (Gwadar)
This airport, which occupies a prime location in Gwadar, is important to the ongoing growth of the Gwadar port and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). In the future, it could be a major hub for trade and travel.
Nawabshah Airport (Nawabshah)
This airport serves the Sindh province’s city of Nawabshah and the surrounding area, improving accessibility and regional connectivity.
Services Offered at Turbat Airport
As Turbat International Airport (TUK) grows to accommodate larger jet airliners, upgrades are being made to its facilities and services. Here’s what to anticipate:
- Passenger Terminals: There is only one terminal facility at the airport, which is used to handle both passengers who arrive and depart travellers. The sections designated for local and international flights are distinct.
- Check-in Counters: For both local and international flights, there are multiple check-in desks available.
- Security Screening: Every passenger leaving must undergo security screening.
- Baggage Claim: Upon arrival, travellers can retrieve their checked luggage from a specially designated location.
- Lost and Found: You can report and ask questions regarding misplaced items by using the lost and found service.
- Prayer Rooms: Men’s and women’s praying areas are segregated.
- Currency Exchange: Although there isn’t much information accessible, the airport probably offers currency exchange services.
- Coffee shops and Restaurants: There are probably a few options for getting a bite to eat or a drink.
- Shops: The airport has a few stores that provide refreshments, travel necessities, and trinkets.
- Wi-Fi: The airport may or may not have Wi-Fi connectivity. It is always advisable to inquire ahead of time with your airline or the airport administration.
- Additional Services: The airport may also provide basic medical assistance.
Remember that Turbat Airport is a regional airport, hence its offerings may be more constrained than those of bigger international airports. More facilities and services are anticipated to be added as the airport grows.
FAQs on Turbat Airport
Following ae the top FAQs on Turbat Airport.
Which airport in Pakistan is the busiest?
Jinnah International Airport, located near Karachi, is the busiest airport in Pakistan. It acts as a significant hub for flights, both domestic and foreign.
Which airport serves Pakistan’s capital city?
The capital city of Islamabad is served by the Islamabad International Airport. This cutting-edge, well-equipped airport makes both domestic and international travel possible.
What is the Quaid-e-Azam International Airport in Sialkot important?
The Sialkot-based Quaid-e-Azam International Airport is essential to Pakistan’s export-oriented businesses. It facilitates the flow of cargo and goods, enhancing trade inside the nation.
What is the contribution of Gwadar International Airport to the development of Pakistan?
An essential part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the growth of the Gwadar port is Gwadar International Airport. It is strategically important for improving connectivity and trade in the area.
In what ways can airports contribute to regional connectivity?
The purpose of the Nawabshah Airport in Sindh and the Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar is to improve regional connectivity by connecting these places with other regions of the nation.
This was all about Turbat Airport. For more information, visit Graana.com.
