Gwadar Airport becomes operational after first flight lands

The Gwadar International Airport finally became operational after a PIA flight carrying nearly 50 passengers from Karachi landed on Monday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Defence and Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti and other senior officials including military personnel were present at the airport to welcome the passengers of the first flight, PIA's PK-503. They offered roses to all the passengers after their plane was also accorded water salute as it landed on the runway.

The inauguration of Gwadar International Airport, a flagship initiative of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), marked a significant milestone in Pakistan’s aviation industry. According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the New Gwadar International Airport officially became operational, with the inaugural flight.

Gwadar Airport to boost country's development: Asif

Minister for Defence and Aviation Khawaja Asif has said that New Gwadar International Airport will play an important role in the development of Pakistan.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of new airport in Gwadar, he said this airport will play an important role to promote trade and tourism in the country besides bringing positive change in our economy.

Khawaja Asif said New Gwadar International Airport will also create job opportunities for the people. He thanked the Chinese Government for the completion of the New Gwadar International Airport.

He said we have put Gwadar on the path to progress and prosperity through the China Pakistan Economic Corridor. 

Other prominent attendees included Governor of Balochistan Jafar Khan Mandokhail, Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, Secretary of Aviation Ahsan Ali Mangi, Director-General of Pakistan Airports Authority Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, DG Civil Aviation Authority Nadir Shafi Dar, and DG ASF Major General Adnan Asif Shad.

According to the report, Gwadar is Pakistan’s second greenfield airport, capable of accommodating large aircraft. Its 3.6-kilometer-long runway is capable of accommodating large aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380.

The New Gwadar International Airport features state-of-the-art infrastructure with an annual capacity of 400,000 passengers.

The airport is equipped with a modern air traffic control system and navigational aids, along with advanced security features and passenger amenities.

Strategically located in the Gwadar district of Balochistan, the airport spans approximately on 4,300 acres.

The project has been completed at a cost of about 246 million dollars, funded by the Government of Pakistan, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority and the grants of Sultanate of Oman and China.

The airport’s construction began in 2019, with an estimated cost of Rs50 billion, and the project was completed in November 2024.

The state-of-the-art airport can provide refuelling and cargo services to over 50 airlines daily, marking a transformative step in enhancing connectivity and boosting the region’s economic prospects.

PM says Gwadar Airport to boost regional connectivity

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday calling it an example of Pakistan-China friendship, said that the operationalization of Gwadar International Airport was a great step forward to strengthen connectivity within Pakistan as well as the entire region.

The prime minister, in a statement issued in Islamabad, expressed satisfaction as a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight landed at the Gwadar Airport, making it the first commercial aircraft to arrive at the facility.

He said that with the inauguration of Gwadar Airport, another milestone has been achieved to link Gwadar with Central Asia and East Asia besides providing linkage between the Middle East and Gulf states.

The prime minister said that the opening of Gwadar International Airport would realise the dream of development of Pakistan and the region through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). “Today, we have come closer to fulfilling the joint commitment of the Chinese President Xi Jinping and Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif for the development of Pakistan and the region through the CPEC. By the grace of Allah, CPEC started during the tenure of Nawaz Sharif and is now achieving important milestones under his leadership,” he remarked.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the entire nation was grateful to the Chinese leadership and the government as the country always played a key role in the development of Pakistan.

He also lauded Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti and his government, security personnel and military leadership for their tireless efforts to ensure the completion of the airport.

Reporter: Tayyab Saif and Khursheed Rehmani