Emirates plans new cargo hub at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport

Emirates launches its new travel store in Karachi, introducing airline's first interactive retail store concept in West Asia
An image of Emirates Boeing 777-300ER at Dubai Airport, UAE, February 15, 2019. — Reuters
An image of Emirates Boeing 777-300ER at Dubai Airport, UAE, February 15, 2019. — Reuters

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) flag carrier, Emirates Airlines, has announced plans to set up a cargo hub at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport. The airline has requested 90,000 square feet of space at the airport's cargo terminal, responding to the rising demand for cargo services in the region.

Emirates currently manages the largest cargo business in Karachi, transporting over 27,000 tons of cargo from the city in 2024.

In comparison, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) handled only 2,000 tons of cargo from Karachi due to inadequate planning and lack of attention.

Reportedly, the Airports Authority has started the process of allocating space at the cargo terminal in response to Emirates' request. This move is expected to enhance cargo operations and meet the growing demand for cargo services.

Recently, Emirates also launched its new travel store in Karachi, introducing the airline's first interactive retail store concept in West Asia. The store was inaugurated by Emirates' Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations West Asia and Indian Ocean Essa Sulaiman Ahmad along with UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi and UAE Consul General Bakheet Ateeq Al-Rumaithi in Karachi. The event highlighted the strong ties between the UAE and Pakistan.

Moreover, regarding the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Essa Sulaiman Ahmad clarified that Emirates is focused on its growth and does not plan to acquire stakes in other carriers. "We just spent $2 billion to retrofit our aircraft. We are definitely looking at our own growth," he said.