In a significant move to enhance passenger convenience, Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport has activated all 20 immigration counters at its departure section. This initiative aims to streamline the travel experience and reduce waiting times for outbound passengers.
One-Minute Immigration Processing Achieved
Deputy Director of Immigration Karachi, Shehzad Akbar, confirmed the development in a conversation with Geo News. He stated that with fully staffed counters during peak hours, the average immigration processing time for a passenger has been reduced to approximately one minute.
Akbar emphasized that the pre-departure counter is also fully functional, allowing citizens to complete clearance procedures days before their actual travel date. He dismissed past narratives describing Karachi Airport as a daunting experience for travelers, asserting that such characterizations are now unfounded.
Digital Transformation and Enhanced Facilities
The Deputy Director outlined a vision for the airport’s modernization, noting that Karachi Airport is transforming into a hub of modern facilities. Key upcoming upgrades include:
- The imminent installation of e-gates to automate passenger processing.
- The launch of a special mobile application dedicated to departure passengers.
Security and Operational Adjustments
In line with security protocols enforced by airport security forces, measures have been taken to restrict access. Only passengers are now permitted up to the departure area, with relatives and friends required to remain outside.
To optimize space and efficiency during busy periods, some counters from the domestic lounge are being temporarily allocated to the international lounge. This reallocation provides airlines with ample space for boarding procedures, further smoothing the departure process.
These collective measures represent a concerted effort to elevate service standards at Pakistan’s busiest airport, addressing long-standing passenger concerns and positioning the facility for future growth.
