Bacha Khan International Airport (PEW) — Complete Airport Guide
Bacha Khan International Airport (PEW) serves Peshawar, the historic capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Named after the Pashtun independence leader Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (Bacha Khan), it handles primarily domestic flights and routes to the Middle East.
Airport at a Glance
IATA Code: PEW
City: Peshawar
Location: University Town (5 km from city centre)
Terminals: 1 terminal (combined domestic & international)
Airlines & Destinations
International airlines: Saudia, PIA, flynas, Gulf Air, and Air Arabia operate routes primarily to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Bahrain — reflecting the large Pashtun diaspora in the Gulf.
Domestic routes: Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore via PIA and Airblue.
Ground Transport
- Taxi: Taxis and rickshaws available outside. To city centre: PKR 500-1,000 (~$2-4).
- Careem: Available in Peshawar. Recommended for fair pricing.
- Hotel pickup: Most hotels arrange airport transfers.
Facilities
- Basic facilities — smaller than the three main airports
- Waiting lounges for international flights
- Small selection of food vendors
- ATMs and money exchange available
- SIM card purchase possible
- Prayer room available
Tips for Travellers
- Peshawar airport is small and manageable — 2 hours before international flights is sufficient
- The airport is close to the city centre (5 km) — much more convenient than Islamabad or Karachi airports
- Security checkpoints on the road to the airport — carry your passport
- For travel to the tribal areas beyond Peshawar, seek current security advice