Dadu Airport

The airport's closure to commercial traffic was primarily due to economic non-viability. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the national carrier and sole operator at the airport, suspended its flights to Dadu due to consistently low passenger numbers and significant financial losses on the route. Without a commercial airline service, the airport became unsustainable for regular passenger operations.

The airport is officially closed to all commercial and civil aviation. The site is currently under the control of Pakistani security and law enforcement agencies, reportedly used by the Sindh Police for training and operational purposes. While the terminal building and other facilities have fallen into disuse, the runway is maintained to a functional level. This allows it to be activated on short notice for military and humanitarian flights, as demonstrated during recent natural disasters where C-130 Hercules aircraft have landed with relief supplies.

Dadu Airport was constructed in the early 1990s to serve as a domestic airport for the Dadu District in the Sindh province, aiming to improve regional connectivity and foster economic growth. It primarily handled flights operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), which connected Dadu with major hubs, most notably Karachi. The airline typically utilized its Fokker F27 Friendship turboprop aircraft for these routes. The airport played a crucial role in connecting a relatively remote district with the country's main economic centers. Even after its closure to commercial flights, the airstrip has proven to be a vital asset during national emergencies, being used by the Pakistan Air Force and Army for large-scale flood relief and rescue operations, particularly during the catastrophic floods of 2010 and 2022.

There are currently no concrete, funded plans from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or the government to reopen Dadu Airport for commercial flights. However, its potential revival is a recurring topic of discussion among local politicians, government officials, and business communities in Sindh. The strategic importance of the airstrip during emergencies often renews calls for its full rehabilitation and reopening to spur local development. Despite these appeals, the primary obstacle remains the fundamental issue of economic viability, as there is no clear indication that scheduled flights would be profitable.