General Information
Jinnah International Airport (OPKC) is the busiest airport in Pakistan, located in Karachi. It serves as the primary hub for domestic and international flights, with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) using it as a major base.
The airport features three terminals: Jinnah Terminal (handling both domestic and international flights), a dedicated Hajj Terminal, and a Cargo Terminal. OPKC has two parallel runways—07R/25L and 07L/25R—both capable of handling wide-body aircraft. It is a key facility for commercial aviation, cargo operations, and general aviation in Pakistan.
Key Data
| Coordinates | 24°54’34”N 67°09’49”E |
| Elevation | 100 feet |
| Transition Level | FL050 |
Scenery
Using the correct and up-to-date scenery is strongly recommended while flying into or out of Jinnah International Airport.
Recommended Sceneries
- Microsoft Flight Simulator: simMarket: JINNAH INTL AIRPORT KARACHI - MSFS
- X-Plane 10/11/12: simMarket: MSK-JINNAH INTL XPLANE 11/12
- Prepar3D v4/v5: simMarket: JINNAH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT KARACHI OPKC P3D
Charts
To view up-to-date aerodrome charts, consider subscribing to Navigraph. All Pakistan eAIP charts are accessible here. Ensure you have the most recent AIRAC cycle installed before your next flight to prevent any issues with inaccurate data.
Aerodrome Data
Runways
| Runway | Length (ft) | Length (m) | Width (m) | Surface | ILS | Lighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07R/25L | 11,155 | 3,400 | 45 | Asphalt | Yes (25L) | Edge, Centerline, TDZ |
| 07L/25R | 10,500 | 3,200 | 45 | Asphalt | Yes (25R) | Edge, Centerline, TDZ |
Runway Specifications & Distances
| Runway | TORA (m) | ASDA (m) | TODA (m) | LDA (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07R | 3,400 | 3,400 | 3,650 | 3,400 |
| 25L | 3,400 | 3,400 | 3,650 | 3,400 |
| 07L | 3,200 | 3,200 | 3,450 | 3,200 |
| 25R | 3,200 | 3,200 | 3,450 | 3,200 |
VHF Radio Frequencies
| Designator | Callsign | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| APP | Karachi Approach | 125.500 MHz |
| TWR | Karachi Tower | 118.300 MHz |
| GND | Karachi Ground | 121.600 MHz |
| DEL | Karachi Delivery | N/A |
| CTR | Karachi Control | 126.500 MHz |
| ATIS | Karachi Information | 126.700 MHz |
Main Aprons at OPKC
| Apron | Usage | Aircraft Type |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal Apron (Passenger Gates) | Domestic & International Commercial Flights | A320, B737, A310, B777, A330, etc. |
| Cargo Apron | Cargo Operations | Freighters (B747F, A310F, IL-76, etc.) |
| General Aviation Apron | Private & Charter Aircraft | Cessna, Gulfstream, Learjet, etc. |
| PIA Maintenance Apron | PIA Engineering & Maintenance | B777, A320, ATR, etc. |
| Military Apron | Pakistan Air Force Operations | Fighters, Transport & Military Aircraft |
Parking Stands
- Passenger Terminal Stands: Gates 1-12 (Jet Bridge & Remote Stands)
- Cargo Stands: C1-C6 (Dedicated for Freighters)
- Remote Stands: 70-79 (For overflow and domestic aircraft)
- General Aviation Stands: Near the old terminal
Departure Procedures
En Route Clearance & Start-up
Pilots receive start-up clearance along with en route clearance, including a SID and initial climb to FL070 unless otherwise instructed.
- Separate pushback clearance is required, even if start-up clearance has been received.
- If unable to begin within 5 minutes, request clearance only when ready.
- Check ATIS for the active runway; departure runway is confirmed before taxi or during pushback.
Example RTF Exchange
PIA405: "Karachi Ground, Pakistan 405, information Delta, request start-up clearance to Dubai."
OPKC_GND: "Pakistan 405, Karachi Delivery, start-up approved, cleared to Dubai, MELOM1F departure, Runway 25L, climb initially FL070, squawk 4312."
PIA405: "Start-up approved, cleared to Dubai, MELOM1F departure, Runway 25L, climb initially FL070, squawk 4312."
OPKC_GND: "Pakistan 405, readback correct, report ready for pushback."Calculated Off Block Time (COBT) & CTOT
During high traffic, pilots may receive a COBT when requesting start-up:
- Report ready 5 minutes before COBT.
- CTOT will be assigned in the flight plan; expect departure within -5/+10 minutes of CTOT.
Example COBT Exchange
OPKC_GND: "Pakistan 405, start-up time at 1430Z (COBT 14:30Z), report aircraft ready."
PIA405: "Wilco, Pakistan 405."Taxi & Take-off
After engine start and checklists:
- Expect taxi clearance via the nearest apron exit; hold short before runway entry.
- Crossing Runway 07L/25R requires ATC clearance, even if not in use.
Example Taxi Clearance
OPKC_GND: "Pakistan 405, taxi to Runway 25L via Taxiways K, M, hold short H Runway 25L."Example Takeoff Clearance
OPKC_TWR: "Pakistan 405, wind 240/08, Runway 25L, cleared for takeoff, contact Karachi Approach 125.500 after departure."Transition altitude: 3000 feet. Follow SID routing and altitude/speed restrictions post-takeoff.
Arrival Procedures
STAR & Altitude Compliance
Follow published STAR restrictions and ATC instructions (holds, vectors, or direct-to clearances). Expect clearance for an instrument approach before the IAF.
Default Approach: ILS 25L (Runway 25R if available). RNAV, VOR, or visual approaches may be assigned depending on traffic.
Example RTF Exchange
PIA405: "Karachi Approach, Pakistan 405, passing FL110 on NH1C, request ILS approach Runway 25L."
OPKC_APP: "Pakistan 405, Karachi Approach, continue via NH1C arrival, expect ILS Runway 25L, QNH 1013."
PIA405: "Continue via NH1C, expecting ILS 25L, QNH 1013, Pakistan 405."Vectoring to Final
OPKC_APP: "Pakistan 405, turn left heading 270, descend to 3000 feet, report established on the localizer."
PIA405: "Left heading 270, descending 3000 feet, will report established, Pakistan 405."Post-Landing & Taxi
After landing, vacate runway promptly and hold short of intersecting runways. Contact Ground for taxi to parking stand.
OPKC_TWR: "Pakistan 405, vacate left on D, contact Karachi Ground 118.300."
PIA405: "Vacate left on D, contacting Ground, Pakistan 405."Transition level typically FL050, assigned based on QNH.