The History of Sukkur’s First Airport: From Early Airstrips to Modern Aviation
Sukkur, a vibrant city in Pakistan’s Sindh province, is renowned for its historical landmarks and infrastructural achievements. Among these is the story of its first airport a tale of innovation, challenges, and evolution. This article explores the origins of aviation in Sukkur, from its earliest airstrip to the modern Begum Nusrat Bhutto International Airport, while providing context from global and regional aviation history.
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| Historic Sukkur Airport: From 1930s Airstrip to Modern Aviation Hub |
A Glimpse into Early Aviation History
The dawn of aviation transformed the world in the early 20th century. While pinpointing the "first airport" is complex, an airfield near Paris, France, emerged around 1907, followed by the College Park Airport in Maryland, USA, in 1909 often cited as the oldest continually operating airport. In Asia, Bangkok, Thailand, established one of the continent’s earliest airports on March 27, 1914, now known as Don Mueang International Airport. These milestones set the stage for aviation’s global expansion.
In South Asia, under British colonial rule, Karachi led the way. In 1929, an airport was established there, welcoming its first flight from Imperial Airways, which connected London to the subcontinent. This marked a significant moment for the region, including present-day Pakistan.
Sukkur’s Early Aviation Ventures
Sukkur’s aviation history is deeply tied to its development during British rule. The British presence intensified around 1838, coinciding with the global rise of aviation. By the late 19th century, an intriguing event foreshadowed Sukkur’s aerial ambitions. In 1894, near Adam Shah’s hill, a British woman ascended in a hot air balloon and parachuted back to earth. Organized to raise funds for railway workshop workers, this spectacle hinted at the region’s early curiosity about flight, though it wasn’t a precursor to an airport.
The real push for aviation came with the construction of the Sukkur Barrage, a massive irrigation project. On January 13, 1932, Lord Willingdon, the Viceroy of India, inaugurated the barrage, boosting Sukkur’s strategic importance. To support the influx of British officials and engineers, an airstrip was built near the new graveyard in Sukkur. This marked the city’s first foray into air travel, accommodating small aircraft.
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| Sukkur Airport History: From Pakistan’s First Airstrip to Begum Nusrat Bhutto International |
Challenges of the First Airstrip
The initial airstrip, however, faced significant hurdles. The site’s clay-heavy soil proved problematic, especially during rain. In one documented incident, an aircraft landed after a downpour and became mired in the muddy ground. Despite efforts to free it, the plane remained stuck until the soil dried, exposing the location’s flaws. A signal tower with a rotating light was installed on Adam Shah’s hill to aid navigation, but the airstrip’s persistent issues exacerbated by incomplete groundwork from a British contractor led to its closure. The tower remained a local landmark for years, a relic of this early experiment.
While these details stem from local narratives, their specificity suggests some basis in truth, though historical records are scarce. The story reflects Sukkur’s ambition to embrace modern transportation, even if the execution faltered.
The Birth of Modern Sukkur Airport
After Pakistan’s independence in 1947, the need for a functional airport persisted. In the 1960s, the government constructed a new facility 3 or 4 miles from Sukkur, near Arain village. Built on stable, dry land, this airport overcame the previous site’s challenges. With a 9,000-foot runway, it could handle larger aircraft, serving domestic routes and Hajj flights.
On February 26, 2012, the Sukkur airport was renamed Begum Nusrat Bhutto International Airport, honoring the influential Pakistani political figure. In September 2022, the Civil Aviation Authority announced plans to upgrade the facility, including extending the runway, taxiway, apron, and terminal to accommodate bigger planes, signaling its growing role in regional connectivity.
Historical Context: The Sukkur Barrage and Beyond
The Sukkur Barrage was pivotal to the region’s development. Completed in 1932, it revolutionized agriculture in Sindh, drawing attention and investment to Sukkur. This economic boost necessitated improved transportation, including air links. Meanwhile, Adam Shah’s hill carries its own historical weight. It houses the mausoleum of Mian Adam Shah Kalhoro, built in 1768 by Ghulam Shah Kalhoro, and was the site of a fierce battle in 1834 between Shah Shuja’s forces and the Talpur Mirs. These events enrich the backdrop of Sukkur’s aviation story.
Conclusion: A Journey of Resilience
From a balloon ascent in 1894 to a troubled airstrip in the 1930s and a modern international airport today, Sukkur’s aviation history mirrors its resilience and adaptability. The early challenges near Adam Shah’s hill gave way to a facility that now connects Sukkur to the world. As upgrades continue, the Begum Nusrat Bhutto International Airport stands as a testament to the city’s enduring progress.
References
- General Aviation History: Verified from online sources on early airports (e.g., College Park, Don Mueang, Karachi).
- Sukkur’s Aviation Details: Translated and adapted from the Sindhi text "سکر جو پهريون ايئرپورٽ"; some specifics (e.g., the stuck aircraft) are treated as local lore due to limited historical confirmation.
- Sukkur Barrage and Adam Shah’s Hill: Sourced from the Sindhi text and general historical knowledge of Sindh.
- Note: Where primary sources are unavailable, details are presented as part of Sukkur’s narrative tradition rather than definitive fact.
- Sayed Imdad Hussain Shah Rizvi. (2025). Personal communication
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