ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered to ensure foolproof security arrangements for the New Gwadar International Airport.
While chairing the meeting on matters related to the Gwadar airport on Monday he directed the relevant authorities to prepare a strategy to make the new airport a busy transit point.
He also extended gratitude to China for constructing an international standard airport equipped with state-of-the-art facilities noting the project was an example of Pakistan-China great friendship.
He added the operationalisation of the airport would bring prosperity to the area and create employment opportunities.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for improving the communications and road network between New Gwadar International Airport and other areas of the country, especially Balochistan province.
The meeting was briefed that the New Gwadar International Airport is the largest airport in the country in terms of area and can handle 400,000 passengers annually and A-380 aircraft.
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Flights from Gwadar to Muscat will commence from 10th January 2025 while talks are underway with private airlines of Pakistan, China, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates for starting domestic and international flight operations from Gwadar.
The meeting was also briefed that to improve road connectivity with the Gwadar airport, the first phase of the East-Bay Expressway has been completed while the feasibility of the second phase is being prepared.
Pakistan Airport Authority has already issued the Aerodrome Certificate to the New Gwadar International Airport whereas the Pakistan Customs has also notified the airport.
Personnel of the Pakistan Airport Authority, Airport Security Force, Pakistan Customs, Anti-Narcotics Force, Federal Investigation Agency, and Border Health Service have been deployed at the airport.
The meeting was informed that all the banks registered with the State Bank of Pakistan were also in contact with regard to establishing bank branches and ATM machines at the airport.
