Islamabad, July 2, 2025: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has sharply increased cargo handling charges nationwide, with certain charges rising as much as 100 times—the first major change in nearly five years. The adjustment is intended to bring rates in line with prevailing operational costs of airport services.
As per an official circular released early Wednesday, the revised fee schedule became effective on July 1. This marks the first change to cargo fees in half a decade and received formal approval from PAA’s executive committee.
According to the updated pricing, the expense of transporting pet birds has jumped by 50%, going up from Rs200 to Rs300 per kilogram. Likewise, the rate for sending betel leaves has been doubled, now set at Rs70 per kilogram.
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Charges for general cargo have also seen a 25% hike, moving from Rs100 to Rs125 per kilogram. The revised tariff list additionally incorporates new rates for other domestic animals such as cats and dogs, along with commodities falling under general cargo classification.
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Officials at PAA have justified the surge, pointing to a prolonged tariff freeze despite consistent growth in airport-related operational expenditures.
The PAA, formed as an independent body in August 2024 under Section 3 of the Pakistan Airports Authority Act, is tasked with supervising, developing, and efficiently running airport and aviation-related services across the nation.
