Army Takes Over Saidu Sharif Airport

[Abbas Ali]

MINGORA: Pakistan Army Friday took over the Saidu Sharif Airport in Swat and sent the Pakistan Air Force staff to Peshawar, official sources told The News.

Military authorities said the airport was already in control of the security forces following their recent arrival in the once peaceful valley to weed out the threat of militancy. The airport staff including Airport Security Force and other workers were sent back to Peshawar International Airport.

The airport remained closed for the last few years after PIA discontinued its services from there.

There were however reports that the government was gradually implementing a plan to build a military airbase in the valley but keeping in view high prices of property in Swat, the government deployed troops to retain the possession of the airport.

Source: The News

[Abbas Ali]

SAIDU SHARIF: Photo taken from the flight deck of PIA Fokker F-27 seconds before touch down at Saidu Sharif Airport - Copyright Capt. Shayan Haqqee

According to PIA Summer 2001 timetable, the airline operated non-stop flights between Islamabad and Saidu Sharif, PK-638 from Islamabad to Saidu Sharif and return flight PK-639 from Saidu Sharif to Islamabad, with Fokker F-27 turbo-prop aircraft, thrice a week on every Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

Related Topic: PIA F-27 Islamabad-Saidu Sharif trip report (Posted On March 4, 2006)

[Abbas Ali]

PESHAWAR Oct 30 (APP): In an incident at Saidu Sharif Airport, two miscreants were injured during exchange of fire with security forces.

Source: www.app.com.pk