Introduction:
Bacha Khan International Airport (BKIA), formerly known as Peshawar International Airport, is one of the busiest airports in Pakistan, handling both local and international flights.
It is located in the lively city of Peshawar; it is an important travel hub for people from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and surrounding areas.
Early Days:
The airport was first constructed during the British colonial era in the early 1920s, mainly for military use.
It functioned as an airbase during World War II. After the World War, it was converted into a small domestic airport, serving flights within Pakistan.
At that time, the airport had limited facilities and only managed a few flights each day.
International Status:
The Airport achieved its International Status in 1965 when PIA started operation to Kabul. The regular Hajj flights were started in 1992.
The airport’s main runways are crossed by a railway line called the Khyber Train Safari, which goes to the town of Landi Kotal in the Khyber Pass for tourists launched by the KPCTA.
Renaming to Bacha Khan International Airport:
The previous name of the airport was Peshawar International Airport, which was renamed on January 27, 2012.
The airport was renamed after Abdul Ghaffar Khan, a well-known Pashtun leader and founder of the Khudai Khidmatgar movement.
Location and Accessibility:
BKIA is conveniently located around 5 kilometers (3 miles) west of Peshawar city. It’s well connected to the city’s network, making it easy for travelers to reach from any part of Peshawar or the surrounding areas.
The airport serves as a gateway for passengers traveling to and from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and nearby regions like the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
Terminal and Passenger Facilities:
Bacha Khan International Airport has a single passenger terminal, which is divided into separate domestic and international areas. The terminal has seen multiple renovations over the years aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and improving the range of services offered.

Facilities Include:
- Check-in Counters: There are multiple check-in counters for a smooth operation.
- One Window Desk: To assist overseas Pakistanis round the clock.
- Lounge Areas: BKIA is divided into different lounges: Business, First-Class, and Economy.
- Food and Retail Outlets: Cafeterias and snack bars offer a range of refreshments, while duty-free shops provide an array of souvenirs, electronics, and luxury items for sale.
- Wi-Fi Access: Free Wi-Fi can be accessed in specific areas throughout the terminal.
- Prayer Rooms: Separate prayer areas for male and female travelers.
- Medical Services: In case of emergencies, you can find first-aid facilities and pharmacies nearby.
Safety Measures and Security at BKIA:
Passenger safety and security take center stage at Bacha Khan International Airport.
To guarantee the safety of passengers and employees, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has put in place stringent measures
- Security Screening: All travelers and their bags are required to pass through several security checkpoints.
- Surveillance: The airport enhances security by ensuring that CCTV cameras are installed across the terminal, parking areas, and perimeter zones.

Airlines Operating at BKIA:
Bacha Khan International Airport serves several domestic and international airlines that provide flights to various locations.
Domestic Airlines:
- Pakistan International Airlines (PIA): Offers flights to multiple cities within Pakistan, i.e. Islamabad, Lahore, & Karachi. The number of flights per week is approximately 2 or 3, depending on the situation.
- SereneAir: Provides domestic flights to major cities within Pakistan. Offers one flight per week from BKIA.
- Fly Jinnah: Operates flights to major cities within Pakistan. It has 3 flights per week from BKIA.
International Airlines:
Emirates Airline: offers direct flights to Dubai, a popular international connection hub also called a tourist paradise.
- Contact Details: +92-91-5253576
- Address: Main Concourse Hall, Terminal Building, Bacha Khan International Airport, Peshawar.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA): Offers multiple flights to all the Gulf region.
- Contact Details: +92-91-9212371-9
- Address: Room # 31, 1st Floor, Terminal Building, Bacha Khan International Airport Peshawar.
Gulf Air: The Bahrain National Carrier offers plenty of flights direct to Bahrain and transit flights to the Gulf region and the rest of the world.
- Contact Details: +92-92-5253447
- Address: Room # 49, 1st Floor Terminal Building, Bacha Khan International Airport Peshawar.
QATAR AIRWAYS: Offering direct flights to Doha and transit flights to the Gulf and world’s other regions.
- Contact Details: +92-91-5253511-12
- Address: Ground Floor Terminal Building, Bacha Khan International Airport Peshawar.
SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES: The national carrier of Saudi Arabia offers various flights from and to Peshawar to the Gulf region and other world destinations.
- Contact Details: +92-91-5253532
- Address: Room # 04, Ground Floor, Aviation Building, Bacha Khan International Airport Peshawar.
SALAM AIR: Oman-based premium airlines to and from Peshawar offer multiple flights.
- Contact Details: +92-91-9211525
- Address: Bacha Khan International Airport Airport Rd, Peshawar Cantonment, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 24820, Pakistan
AIR ARABIA: The Sharjah-based airline operates multiple flights to and from BKIA to facilitate the KPK travelers.
- Contact Details: +92-91-5253504
- Address: Room # 138, Main Course Hall, Bacha Khan International Airport, Peshawar.
Transportation Options:
There are several transportation options available from Bacha Khan International Airport (BKIA), including taxis, the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, auto-rickshaws, and rental cars.
Since many passengers are from different cities in KPK, they often arrange their own transport to BKIA. Local transportation is also a budget-friendly option for travelers.
Before hiring the taxi outside of the airport parking area (BKIA made a separate parking for visitors located just opposite the airport) make sure to fix the fare before heading to your destination to avoid any inconvenience.
Guidelines for Passengers
Here are some important rules for passengers to follow:
- No Restricted Items: Don’t bring any items that are not allowed on the plane. Check with your airline for a complete list of prohibited items.
- Check Baggage Weight: Follow the airline’s rules about how much your checked bags can weigh and any other instructions on your ticket.
- Keep Valuables with You: Don’t pack valuable items like money, jewelry, laptops, mobile phones, cameras, or watches in your luggage.
- Be Careful with Strangers: Do not accept anything, including food or drinks, from someone you don’t know.
- Don’t Share Your Bag: Never give your carry-on bag or items to anyone else.
- Report Issues Quickly: If your luggage is lost, damaged, or stolen when you arrive at your destination, report it to the airline right away.
- Stay Aware of Your Belongings: Keep an eye on your baggage at all times.
Please visit the BKIA official website for more information.