The Pakistan Airport Authority (PAA) has announced plans to make all airports across the country fully cashless. The initiative aims to promote safe, transparent, and efficient payment systems for both passengers and staff.

Under the new plan, passengers will be able to access all airport services — from food courts to retail outlets — without using cash. Instead, QR codes will be installed at all major airports in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan to enable seamless digital payments.

Airport shops, service counters, and vendors are being directed to transition toward cashless operations, ensuring smooth and contactless transactions across the board.

First phase targets major hubs

The project’s first phase will be launched at Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad airports, followed by the second phase covering Faisalabad, Multan, and Sialkot airports.

Officials said the goal is to gradually extend digital payment systems to all airports nationwide, aligning Pakistan’s aviation infrastructure with international standards of efficiency and transparency.

Enhancing efficiency and security

Adopting a cashless model is expected to improve service speed and reduce transaction-related risks such as theft or human error. It will also help minimize long queues and enhance record-keeping accuracy, allowing airport authorities to maintain transparent financial audits.

Passengers will benefit from convenient, contactless payments — an especially important feature amid growing health and safety considerations.

The PAA stated that the move comes under the Government of Pakistan’s digital transformation initiative, supported by the State Bank of Pakistan. The authority has instructed all airport commercial centers and service providers to comply with the new digital payment guidelines.