IK allowed to use airbase because new Islamabad airport ‘lacks chartered flights facility’, IHC told

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) was apprised by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan was allowed to use the Noor Khan Airbase to board a chartered flight to Saudi Arabia because a similar facility was unavailable at the new Islamabad International Airport (IIA).

The ministry informed the court, “Air headquarters has informed that after the inauguration of IIA, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) shifted its flight operations to the new airport.”

“IIA does not have the required facilities to operate chartered flights, particularly small business jets, due to which CAA still utilises Rawal Lounge at Benazir Bhutto International Airport (BBIA) together with a small portion of civil tarmac,” MOD further said.

The ministry also told the court, “For such chartered flights, CAA does not obtain permission from the Ministry of Defence/Pakistan Air Force (PAF).”