KARACHI: The iconic Airport Hotel Karachi has officially entered a new era of revitalization and strategic growth under the ownership of PIA Holdings, marking its transition from direct management by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
This milestone was celebrated during a special media briefing held at the hotel on Thursday, attended by members of the Karachi Editors Club. The event was addressed by Muhammad Asim, General Manager of Airport Hotel, along with Mubasher Mir, President of the Karachi Editors Club. They were accompanied by Deputy General Manager Agha M. Aftab, Marketing Manager Fiza Javed, Manzar Naqvi, Editor in Chief The Financial Daily, Senior Journalist Iqbal Jamil, Zaira Hasan, Syeda Hoor Shumail, Editor in Chief Pakistan State Time and other senior journalists.
Speaking to journalists, GM Muhammad Asim highlighted that the hotel is now operating with increased autonomy and a renewed commitment to excellence. "This is not just a change in ownership—it represents a complete transformation in service, infrastructure, and guest experience,” he remarked. “Under PIA Holdings, we are adopting international standards and prioritizing customer satisfaction to restore the hotel’s legacy and appeal to today’s travelers.
Mubasher Mir echoed this vision, noting, “The Airport Hotel has long been a landmark for travelers, transit guests, and dignitaries. With this strategic shift, we are confident it will reclaim its position as a premier hospitality destination near Jinnah International Airport.” He emphasized the hotel’s vital location and potential to cater to both domestic and international guests, especially business and transit travelers.
The briefing included a guided tour of the upgraded facilities for members of the Karachi Editors Club.
Management explained that the hotel had once flourished—particularly from 1984 to 1990—due to high volumes of international transit passengers. However, changing travel trends, particularly the growth of Islamabad as a transit hub, led to a decline. In response, the current leadership, the CEO AVM Muhammad Amir Hayat and GM Muhammad Asim, have repositioned the hotel to focus on commercial and corporate clientele, treating transit business as a valuable addition.
Over the past two years, comprehensive internal reforms have been implemented. Drawing from their prior experience with PIA, the management team has overhauled operational procedures, enhanced service quality, and introduced structured systems—including the establishment of boardrooms, well-defined Policies, SOPs, JDs, ERP Modules and improved maintenance protocols. Expired licenses were renewed, and new standards were introduced to meet contemporary hospitality expectations.ISO Quality and Management Certification and Halal Certification for Food & Beverage department are also under way.
The hotel currently features 208 rooms, including corporate rooms, suites, and standard rooms, and is seeking new investment to further elevate its offerings. “With the right investment and a clear strategy, we are confident that this property can become a model of corporate hospitality,” Asim stated.
A video presentation showcased newly renovated room categories, with special focus on the premium “Corporate Club” rooms, which boast elegant interiors and garden-facing views. The hotel is now fully equipped to host a variety of large-scale events—from weddings to business functions—with banquet capacity for 250 guests, a garden space for 150, and a poolside area capable of accommodating up to 600 people.
Spread across six acres (approximately 28,000 square yards), the hotel currently operates as a 3-star facility. However, plans are already underway to upgrade it to a 4-star status, building on the momentum of recent improvements and consistently positive guest feedback.
As part of broader efforts to promote tourism in Pakistan, the Airport Hotel is actively engaging with media and hospitality stakeholders. Azeem Qureshi, a renowned hotelier and tourism promoter who was present at the event, emphasized the vast untapped potential of tourism in Pakistan.
“Tourism has the power to uplift Pakistan’s economy, as seen in countries like Turkey,” he noted. “It’s not only the government’s responsibility; the public also plays a vital role in welcoming and supporting tourists.”
The event concluded with a high tea hosted by the hotel management, during which media representatives acknowledged the noticeable improvements under the new administration. Exclusive discounts for Karachi Editors Club members were also announced as part of the hotel’s commitment to fostering media collaboration and boosting corporate engagement.
This transformation under Chairman and CEO PIA Holdings and Hotel Management is part of a broader national strategy to restructure public-sector enterprises for greater efficiency, profitability, and service excellence. Once a forgotten gem, Airport Hotel Karachi is now poised to become a flagship of modern hospitality in Pakistan.
