Sialkot International Airport

Sialkot, Pakistan’s leading industrial city, is a well-liked tourist and business trip destination for visitors from other countries. The intense interest of business people, foreign commerce, the local population, and foreign tourists necessitated the urgent construction of a modern airport to aid transport to and from the city. As a result, a plan to build a new airport was put out, and the site picked was close to the M1 Motorway and Sialkot-Wazirabad Road. Here are the services offered at the Airport and what you can anticipate from Sialkot international airport Pakistan if you are departing from or landing at Sialkot Airport. For your convenience, we have provided a summary of the main amenities and services offered at Sialkot International Airport, together with information about the Airport’s development and other valuable facts.

Let’s take off without further ado!

About Sialkot Airport

The Sialkot International Airport, Pakistan’s first privately owned public Airport, is 14 kilometers west of Sialkot in the Sialkot district. Sialkot’s business community put their effort and attention into founding it. This Airport is estimated to have helped over 1,000,000 travelers annually from Sialkot and the surrounding areas.

Sialkot International Airport History

The Gujranwala, Gujrat, and Sialkot regions of Pakistan are known worldwide for producing and exporting sports equipment, medical devices, cutlery, leather clothing, ceramics, gloves, and other sportswear products. Sambrial Dry Port handled air freight deliveries to airports in Pakistan. In addition to the difficulties sellers and exporters faced, the exercise was difficult and time-consuming.

Foreign Buyers’ Reluctance

Furthermore, because of security concerns, overseas customers were unwilling and cautious to visit Sialkot, Gujrat, and Wazirabad, unsettling the region’s exporters. The export potential of all these cities was not exploited, mainly because of such logistical difficulties.

The Need for an Airport

Exporters, businesspeople, traders, and the general public, particularly the abroad Pakistanis in this area, expressed the need for Gujranwala to build an airport. They began the process despite accepting the challenging challenge once more, and the SCCI (Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry) brought up the Airport matter with the Pakistani government. However, the government said it could not do so due to financial constraints.

Armed with an excellent driving force and perseverance, the highly motivated and committed Sialkot exporters eventually achieved their goal. The President generously approved the development of an international airport in Sialkot on a BOO (Build, Own, and Operate) basis during the report given by SCCI on February 2, 2001.

Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan’s President, approved the Project in February 2001. Following the approval, several business people from the private sectors of Sialkot, Gujrat, and Gujranwala participated in building the airport project.

In January 2003, after acquiring the land, the Project officially got underway. On December 18, 2003, Chief Minister Punjab hosted a ceremony to formally break ground on a dual carriageway connecting the international Airport to the Sialkot-Wazirabad Dual Carriageway. As a result, Sialkot International Airport—a privately owned airport—was established. According to the Airport’s official Website, it has sparked a “great industrial boom” in this area.

Exporters from Sialkot have demonstrated strong character and determination in recent years by independently forming and effectively managing the “Sambrial Dry-Port Trust.”

This international Airport has an approximate four-billion-rupee cost.

Structure

The land that makes up Sialkot International Airport totals 1,014 acres and comprises:

• ATC Tower 
• Passenger Terminal 
• WAPDA Room
• Amenities Block
• Cargo Complex Mezzanine
• Cargo Complex 
• FCR Building 
• Water Tower
• Gate House 

Airport Terminals

At Sialkot International Airport, a single terminal serves domestic and foreign passengers. There is also a CIP lounge for passengers flying in business, first, Skywards Platinum, or economy class. For a cost of USD 10 per person.

Operating Airlines

The table below lists operating airlines that fly directly to and from Sialkot International Airport and their contact details.

Airlines	Contact Number
PIA	111-786-786
Emirates	345-71683
Gulf Air	345-923-24
Salam Air	458-1046-48
Air Arabia	111-272-242
Fly Dubai	111-111-139
Qatar Airways	990-715-39
AIRSIAL	052-111-247-742
Saudi Gulf	N/A

Sialkot Airport – Services and Facilities

Many world-class services and facilities are available at Sialkot international airport Pakistan. Let’s have a look at some:

Rent a Car

In collaboration with Daewoo Automobile Services, Sialkot International Airport offers only car rental services. The company provides clients access to air-conditioned taxis. They will take you to your destination if you take a cab from the Airport and vice versa. Additionally, you can find booking desks outside the terminals of the airports. You may reserve a Daewoo cab to and from the Airport by contacting them at the number below. 

Dewo Contact Number: 052-11132396

Restaurants

For travelers’ convenience, there are numerous restaurants for both domestic and international personnel. These dining establishments provide travelers waiting for flights with savory, hygienic meals and beverages on both an International and domestic scale. These restaurants include Mr. COD Fish & Chips, Chicken Mack’ay, Hugs & Mugs, Coffee Equation, and Nirala Sweets.

Tuck Shop

Passengers can purchase various items from one of three Tuck shops open in Sialkot International Airport’s international and domestic lounges.

CIP Lounge

Business, first, and economy class travelers with Skywards platinum and gold card can access the same lounge at Sialkot International Airport. Take note that using the CIP lounge at Sialkot International Airport requires paying a minimum of USD 10.

Banks

BOP and the National Bank of Pakistan, housed inside the Airport’s boundaries, currently provide banking services at Sialkot International Airport. Calling BOP and NBP on their helpline is the finest option if you want to learn more about the assistance they provide at SIAL. You can contact their reps using the methods we’ve listed below:

BOP Contact number: +92- (City Code) -111-267-200

NBP Contact number: (021) 111 627 627

ATMs and Currency Exchange

Allied Bank, BOP, and UBL ATMs serve at Sialkot international airport Pakistan. D.D. Exchange Company Private Limited is a part of SIAL’s financial services division in Concourse Hall (Arrival). As the name suggests, it is a money exchange facility at SIAL that runs following the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act of 1947. As it offers secure, practical, and quick financial services per Pakistan’s central bank’s norms and regulations, you can also find it in major Pakistani cities.

Contact number: 052-6633081-82

Duty-Free Shops

No duty-free shops are now on the grounds of Sialkot International Airport. Duty-free shops will. However, Zainab Duty-Free may open soon, according to airport management. You can keep up with the news by visiting the facilities part of the SIAL website’s main page.

WIFI Access

Both airlines and passengers benefit from the Sialkot International Airport. The Airport has installed a state-of-the-art, free WIFI service across all its terminals. Passengers traveling through the Airport can access this service with their device or borrow one of its iPads at designated points in each terminal building.

Prayer Area

Muslim travelers can use a designated prayer space while they wait for their flight to arrive at Sialkot Airport. Additionally, the domestic and international lounges are home to the airport mosque, where men and women can fulfill their religious responsibilities. The official Website says that “the prayer rooms are furnished to create the proper atmosphere for Muslim prayers.”

Passenger Porter Services

Passenger Porter Services (PPS) is available at Sialkot Airport upon request. If you use the Airport’s moving service, you can transport your luggage from the drop-off lane to the check-in counters and from the baggage claim to the pickup lane. The prices for SIAL’s passenger porter services are as follows:

For International Passengers: PKR 200/-

For Domestic Passengers: PKR 100/-

Code of Sialkot International Airport Pakistan

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which certifies the legitimacy of functioning airports worldwide, issues the IATA airport code. Every Airport needs to be listed with IATA to run international flights because doing so guarantees the facility’s dependability and safety. Consequently, SKT is the IATA airport code for Sialkot International Airport.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is another global organization that regulates flight paths and air traffic. The international Airport in Sialkot has the ICAO code OPST.

Exercise for SIAL Emergency Response

SIAL places a substantial premium on customer and equipment safety during emergency response exercises. They work hard to make both our aviation and non-aviation emergency responses better. They do drills and exercises frequently to enhance the speed and effectiveness of their responses.

Runway of Sialkot International Airport

Sialkot international airport Pakistan has the longest and most flexible runway at 3600 meters—45 (M) broad shoulders, 7.5 (M) wide. LCN 92 has 300 (M) lengthy overruns on both ends. It can manage B-747-200, B-747-400, and B-777 four-digit code aircraft OPST.

How to book a flight reservation from Sialkot International Airport?

It’s simple to find a flight from Sialkot to your preferred location. Like any other airport, Sialkot International Airport has many airlines; you only have to phone them at their contact numbers or official websites.

How to check for Sialkot Airport flight status, departures, and arrivals?

Checking the arrivals, departures, and flight status at the Sialkot Airport is straightforward. You should do the following steps:

Step 1: Go to the Sialkot international airport’s official Website.

Step 2: Scroll down after the Website has opened.

Step 3: You will find the Sialkot airport flight schedule and all the details on both operational and canceled flights.

Flight Schedule

You can check the Sialkot Airport flight schedule at the Airport’s official Website with the help of live arrivals and departures board. On the Website, you can also find weekly flights.

For information on flight arrivals, call the Airport directly at +92523555333.

Top Routes

Top domestic flight routes from Sialkot International Airport(SKT) include:

Sialkot ⇒ Skardu

Sialkot ⇒ Peshawar

Sialkot ⇒ Karachi

Top International flight routes from Sialkot International Airport(SKT) include:

Sialkot ⇒ Muscat

Sialkot ⇒ Sharjah

Sialkot ⇒ Mykonos 

Sialkot ⇒ Bahrain

Sialkot ⇒ London

Sialkot ⇒ Geneva

Sialkot ⇒ New York

Sialkot ⇒ Manchester

Sialkot ⇒ Dubai

When should you arrive for your flight?

It is advised to arrive at least a couple of hours before your booked flight because checking in and boarding could take a surprising amount of time. Not to add, the timing and location of your flight significantly impact how long it takes you to travel to the Airport. However, we have outlined the anticipated arrival time:

• Passengers on domestic flights should arrive at least two hours before taking off.
• If you frequently travel, you know that international planes have a somewhat rigid and drawn-out transfer procedure. Therefore, you should show up at least 4 hours before your flight.

Cargo & Logistics

Cargo Terminal

To its scheduled airlines, non-scheduled carriers, and cargo freighters from SIALKOT, SIAL CARGO offers cargo and related services. The SIAL freight has matured quickly—less than a year—since it formed in Sialkot in September 2007.

SIAL has recently built fully automated state-of-the-art facilities in Sialkot, including the PRAL system, to offer higher safety standards, better quality, cutting-edge technology, and improved client services. An experienced team of highly qualified specialists equipped to handle all exports and imports runs the sections at these stations. They are well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and auxiliary equipment.

The characteristics that affect success in the air cargo industry include speed, effectiveness, and dependability. Modern technology and automated procedures are crucial to customer satisfaction and operational effectiveness. SIAL has trained its staff to accomplish these aims to stay ahead of the other rivals in this industry.

At Sialkot International Airport is where you’ll find the SIAL Cargo Complex. Its cutting-edge and distinctive design makes it easier to work with, store, and handle freight while assuring its security and custody. While export is open around-the-clock, import is available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The import section has a cold room with a – 8-degree temperature capacity, a place for unaccompanied baggage, a place for immediate clearance goods, a place for storing valuables (a substantial room), a place for dangerous goods storage, a section for cargo examination, and an area for air freight. Additionally, SIAL, Customs, and airline workers have offices there.

Import Cargo Section uses an automated cargo handling system to give (0900 – 1700 hrs) information on cargo arrivals and aircraft schedules. General cargo is examined, stored, and given the necessary paperwork for Customs clearance within eight hours of arrival.

For perishables and unusual goods, quick-service facilities are available. The Import Cargo Customer Service personnel collaborates closely with Pakistani Customs Authorities to deliver papers to customers to expedite customs clearance processes. The automated freight handling system and electronic data satisfy the airlines’ Freight-Status-Updates (FSU) messaging standards. These communications are automatically sent to airline customers based on the consignment’s status event.

Scanning Technology

In the export sector, there is a scanning device called the A SMITH Hi-Scan 145180 and Hi-Scan 145180-2 to scan cargo. The SIAL CARGO Scanning crew monitors freight scanning for export to ensure safety and security.

The crew uses a Sbaer 5000 Explosive/Narcotics Trace Detector for the cargo’s safety and security.

Import Cargo Services

The Import Clearance Facility, on airport property, was created to bring all federal agencies under one roof, saving the cargo community time and money by offering a one-stop clearing center for documents. The number of non-stop flights by various airlines from different origins is more at Sialkot International Airport (around the world). Providing cutting-edge facilities and services for cargo handling is SIAL’s primary goal. And to Give customers access to the import hub for any import cargo, from small shipments to large, odd-shaped equipment.

The Airport’s global solid air cargo sector growth has given SIAL numerous economic advantages. With more than 200 freight forwarders and approximately 50 customs brokers close to the Airport, it is the hub for a first-rate trade support infrastructure for cargo carriers. A particular “one-stop” Cargo Clearance Center that houses about 10 Pakistani government inspectors and offers a round-the-clock cargo clearance operation speeds up the company.

Silent Features

Locker rooms and storage spaces are accessible, and SIAL offers free 5-day warehousing 70% less expensive than at other airports. The warehouse is 2000 square feet and is open 24 hours daily for D/O.

Activities

• Generally Handling Cargo
• Important Handling
• Handling of Live Animals
• Standard Messages for IATA
• ULDTrack Cargo Tracking/Warehousing/Stock Disposal
• Handling Perishables
• Handling Large Cargo
• Import Acceptance Import Documentation

Export Cargo Services

Sialkot International Airport Limited seeks to deliver “best-value” services to airport patrons in the most effective and fastest way possible, maximize land utilization, and make economies of scale possible for freight services and airport support. Twenty thousand tons of cargo may be handled annually by the freight terminal. It also has an entirely automated state-of-the-art freight handling system. Strong/cold rooms, freezers, and dangerous products rooms are among the specific cargo handling capabilities at the terminal.

Three subsections make up this section:

1) Acceptance of export cargo includes:

• Applying X-ray requirements.
• Weighing the export cargo.
• Accepting it by post or mail at the unloading dock.

2) Issue export cargo forms, telex message correspondence, and export cargo manifest for airlines, among other things.

3) Palletizing build-up, export storage, and departure flight preparations are a few tasks in moving export goods into export storage.

Custom Bonded Trucking

Domestic bonded road transport (Airport to Airport) is an essential step in integrated and thematic (supply chain) management, and Sialkot International Airport Limited (SIAL) is aware of this. SIAL also has experience and professional knowledge in Pakistan’s road interconnectivity, providing accurate and effective trucking services in the most economical ways. To save exporters time and money, the Bonded Trucking division assists in serving export-oriented items from Sialkot Airport to Lahore/Islamabad/Peshawar. Always seek fresh approaches to enhance work performance, and you intend to attract a growing variety of products to use SIAL services for cargo handling.

Bonded Trucking Cargo operates on a 24-hour basis to accomplish the goal with three shifts that each last for eight hours.

Nearest Airports

International Airports near Sialkot Airport, Pakistan, are:

• 230 km: Benazir Bhutto International Airport Islamabad, Pakistan
• 110 km: Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore, Pakistan
• 92 km: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport Amritsar, India

Domestic Airports near Sialkot Airport, Pakistan, are:

• 110 km: Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore, Pakistan
• 92 km: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport Amritsar, India
• 42 km: Jammu Airport Jammu, India

Hotels Near Sialkot Airport

Numerous accommodations are available for travelers visiting the city for leisure, business, or other reasons. The Sialkot International Airport’s official Website also lists the hotels listed below. To contact them for more information or to make bookings, here are their contact details:

Hotel Denver

• Contact Number: 052-4296661-4
• Location: 100-A, Aziz Shaheed Road, Sialkot Cantt.

Hotel Akbar’s Kinara

• Contact Number: 053-3589572
• Location: River Chenab, GT Road, Wazirabad. 
• Email Address: frontoffice@akbarskinara.com 

Hotel Taj Palace

• Contact Number: 052-4265048, 4274831, and 4270034
• Location: Kutchery Road, Sialkot. 
• Email Address: info@taj.com.pk 

Hotel Javson 

• Contact Number: +92 (52) 324 2971
• Location: Defence Road, Sialkot-51310. 
• Email Address: reservation@hoteljavson.com 

Hotel the Jeevens 

• Contact Number: 052-3241597 and 052-3573502
• Location: Kashmir Road, Near Passport Office, Sialkot-Punjab. Pakistan
• Email Address: info@hotelthejeevens.com 

Interesting facts about Sialkot Int. Airport

• The distinction of being Pakistan’s first-ever greenfield airport belongs to Sialkot International Airport.
• It is one of Pakistan’s largest privately owned foreign airfields.
• This Airport should serve around 1,000,000 passengers yearly from Sialkot and its neighboring cities.
• The Airport is a refueling farm and repair facility for domestic and international aircraft companies.
• The second-longest runway in the nation, measuring 3,600 meters, is located at the Airport.

Helpline and Inquiry Number for Sialkot Airport

The helpline at Sialkot Airport is open 24 hours a day to assist travelers and anyone looking for information about the Airport. You can phone the Sialkot Airport at the number provided below for further details on flights or the schedule:

Airport’s Contact Number: is 052-111-742575

Email Address: info@sial.com.pk 

FAQs

How far is Sialkot Airport from Islamabad? 

Islamabad Capital Territory is 222 kilometers via car from Sialkot international airport, Pakistan. Reaching Sialkot Airport from Islamabad takes about 4 hours and 11 minutes. Sialkot Airport (SKT) and Islamabad International Airport (ISB) are 105 miles apart by air. It translates to 91 nautical miles or 169 kilometers. According to average conditions, the flight from Sialkot Airport in Sialkot, Pakistan, to Islamabad International Airport in Islamabad, Pakistan, should take 0 hours and 12 minutes.

Where to call for baggage inquiry?

You can contact SIAL’s Baggage Lost and Found services or your airline immediately when you realize your luggage is being mishandled or missing. The Sialkot Airport also has designated space for misplaced or discovered bags. Consequently, if you ever find yourself in this situation, please dial 052-6633062.

Which items can’t you bring to Sialkot International Airport?

It’s not explicitly stated on the SIAL official website. As a CAA-registered airport, double-check that you don’t have any prohibited things on you. Typically, it is strictly forbidden to bring the following objects onto an airport property:

• Fake money or goods.
• More than PKR 3,000 or USD 10,000 in cash (or equivalent foreign currency).
• Drugs, sedatives, heroin, or any other intoxicating substance.
• Items of historical value.
• Infringements against intellectual property rights and illicit media.
• Explosives, ammo, and weapons.
• Threatened wildlife species, including flora, animals, and plants.
• Any other objects covered by the Wild Life Act and Cite.

Where is Sialkot Airport located?

The M1 Motorway, Daska Road, and Wazirabad Road provide quick access to the Airport, located about 22 kilometers to the west of the city of Sialkot.

Conclusion

The Sialkot International Airport is a unique project in the private sector and might be the first of its kind in South East Asia. Since the Airport’s completion, the regional dynamics, which were missing in this area of the country, have begun to improve. It has facilitated many businesspeople and overseas Pakistanis from this region and sped up export cargo air transportation. It is luring clients from all over the world. We anticipate significant strategic changes in the area that will alter the mindset of industrialists, exporters, and the business community and lead to the direction of previously unheard-of trade and business operations.

The Airport has sparked a substantial industrial revolution regarding employment opportunities for citizens of the Pakistani cities that make up the export triangle.