Bacha Khan International Airport Peshawar (IATA: PEW, ICAO: OPPS) is the main international airport of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the fourth-busiest airport in Pakistan. Renamed after the great Pashtun leader Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (Bacha Khan) in 2012, it serves as the primary gateway to Peshawar, Khyber Pass, Swat, Chitral, Kaghan Valley, and other scenic destinations of KPK.
Location & Distance from Major Cities
Bacha Khan International Airport is located on the southwestern edge of Peshawar city. Here are the approximate road distances from major cities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and nearby areas:
| City | Distance | Approx. Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Peshawar City Center | 6 – 10 km | 10 – 15 minutes |
| Mardan | 53 – 61 km | 50 – 70 minutes |
| Swat (Saidu Sharif) | 177 km | 3.5 – 4.5 hours |
| Abbottabad | 152 km | 2.5 – 3 hours |
| Islamabad | 164 – 183 km | 2 – 2.5 hours |
| Chitral | 217 – 349 km | 5 – 7 hours |
Pro Tip: The airport is very well connected via the Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway (M-1), making road travel comfortable for tourists coming from Islamabad and Abbottabad.
History & Background
- Established in 1927 during British rule
- Renamed Bacha Khan International Airport in January 2012
- Major expansion and modernization carried out between 2016–2018
Airlines & Popular Destinations
The airport offers convenient flights to major domestic and international destinations through airlines including PIA, Emirates, Flydubai, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Air Arabia, and Saudia.
Popular international routes include Dubai, Doha, Jeddah, Riyadh, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi.
Facilities at Bacha Khan International Airport
- Free 24/7 Wi-Fi
- Prayer rooms and spacious waiting areas
- Restaurants offering local Pashtun and international cuisine
- Duty-free shops, ATMs, and currency exchange
- Medical clinic, pharmacy, and wheelchair assistance
- Ample parking space
Travel Tips for Passengers
- Reach the airport at least 2.5 to 3 hours before international flights
- Book taxis through InDrive or Careem for better rates
- Hotels in University Town and Saddar are the most convenient for airport travelers
Our KPK Verdict: Bacha Khan International Airport Peshawar remains the most important and busy airport of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Whether you are coming for business, tourism to Swat, Malakand, or Chitral, or heading to Afghanistan via Torkham, this airport is your main entry point.
