Skytrax, the globally recognized organization that evaluates the performance and passenger experience of airports worldwide, has released its latest ranking report, revealing the updated classification of Pakistan’s major international airports.
According to the report, Islamabad International Airport has been placed in the 3-star category, whereas Lahore and Karachi international airports have been ranked in the 2-star category.
The detailed report states that Islamabad International Airport secured its 3-star rating based on key performance areas, including passenger facilities, the immigration process, terminal standards, and overall administrative efficiency. Although Skytrax notes that the airport still has room for improvement, it maintains that Islamabad Airport meets a reasonable level of international travel standards.
Interestingly, several major and busy global hubs also fall under the same 3-star category, including Dubai International Airport, Manchester Airport, New York JFK Airport, Washington Airport, Moscow, Mexico City, and Kuwait International Airport. Furthermore, Delhi, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad airports in India have also been listed under this category, reflecting a comparative assessment of aviation standards in the region.
On the other hand, the placement of Lahore and Karachi airports in the 2-star category has raised concern among aviation analysts. This classification indicates that passenger facilities, immigration systems, cleanliness standards, terminal conditions, and overall services at these airports remain significantly below global benchmarks.
Skytrax ranks airports based on comprehensive criteria, including available passenger facilities, immigration and security processes, hygiene and cleanliness, terminal comfort, infrastructure quality, and the overall travel experience. The report also highlights that only 12 airports worldwide hold the prestigious 5-star rating, while 81 airports fall under the 4-star category.
