Islamabad International becomes Pakistan’s first fully cashless airport
Passengers to use cards, QR codes and mobile wallets
ISLAMABAD/DUBAI – The Islamabad International Airport has officially transitioned to a fully cashless environment, becoming the first airport in Pakistan to eliminate physical currency across its premises.
The development marks a significant step in the country’s broader digital transformation drive and aims to streamline the passenger experience. Authorities say the shift will deliver faster, safer and more transparent transactions for millions of travellers passing through the capital’s main aviation hub.
First fully cashless airport
Under the new system, every commercial concession and service provider operating at the airport has adopted digital payment platforms. From airline ticket counters to parking booths and food outlets, cash is no longer accepted anywhere within the airport.
All payments at Islamabad International Airport, including airline ticketing, car parking, retail purchases, dining and duty-free shopping, must now be completed digitally. Passengers can pay using debit and credit cards, QR code systems, mobile banking applications and digital wallets.
In line with the national digital payments initiative, Islamabad International Airport is now fully cashless. All concessionaires have adopted digital payment systems to enhance passenger experience and transparency.#DigitalEconomy #IslamabadAirport pic.twitter.com/nsLMJ8jBgN
— Pakistan Airports Authority (@Pk_PAA_Official) February 16, 2026
Airport officials say the move is designed to reduce transaction times, minimise cash handling risks and improve financial transparency across airport operations. The transition also aligns with Pakistan’s growing push towards cashless commerce in major public facilities.
The Pakistan Airports Authority described the initiative as part of its continued efforts to modernise aviation infrastructure in line with national digitalisation goals.
How it works?
Travellers arriving at the airport will encounter fully integrated digital payment points across all service counters. Retailers and concessionaires have upgraded their systems to support contactless and online payment methods, allowing passengers to complete purchases quickly without the need for physical currency.
Islamabad Int'l Airport has officially been declared a Fully Digital Payments–Enabled (Cashless) Facility.
— Pakistan Airports Authority (@Pk_PAA_Official) February 18, 2026
In collaboration with State Bank of Pakistan, SBP-BSC & partner institutions, IIAP now offers POS, QR & RAAST integration, onboarding JazzCash, Zindigi, AiK & Easypaisa. pic.twitter.com/hjNDiCX4MK
Chief Operating Officer and Airport Manager Aftab Gilani confirmed that a new mobile application has also been introduced. The app enables passengers to track lost baggage remotely from anywhere in the world, adding another layer of convenience to the airport’s digital ecosystem.
Gilani noted that the combined rollout of cashless payments and smart baggage tracking is expected to improve passenger satisfaction and strengthen the airport’s international standing.
Why now?
Senior Joint Director Commercial Malik Amjad described the development as a major milestone in the modernisation of airport services in Pakistan. Officials say the timing is significant, coming shortly after the federal government placed Islamabad International Airport in its active privatisation programme.
The Ministry of Privatisation stated that the decision forms part of a broader restructuring strategy that also includes the ongoing privatisation processes for Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport and Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport.
Authorities believe the shift to a fully digital payment environment will make the airport more attractive to investors while aligning operations with global aviation standards.