Key points
- First commercial flight lands at Gwadar International Airport
- Airport’s 3.6km long runway is fit for landing of large aircrafts
- Gwadar Airport is Pakistan’s second greenfield airport
ISLAMABAD: In a major step forward for Pakistan’s development and aviation sector, the south Asian country marked a historic moment on Monday as commercial flights officially commenced operations at Gwadar International Airport.
The first commercial flight from Karachi landed at the Gwadar International Airport to formally inaugurate the facility.
View this post on Instagram
According to state-run PTV News, the New Gwadar International Airport has officially become operational as a significant milestone in the country’s development being a flagship project of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
State-of-the-art airport
The state-of-the-art airport, with 3.6km long runway fit for landing of larger aircraft, was completed in December 2024 at a cost of $246 million and is spread over an area of 4,300 acres equipped with international standard facilities, it added.
Pakistan’s Minister for Aviation Khawaja Asif inaugurated the New Gwadar International Airport Monday. He welcomed the flight and presented flowers to the passengers. Airbus and Boeing Aircraft can now land at the New Gwadar International Airport.
The New Gwadar International Airport is equipped with international standards and facilities. Local media cited Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) as saying that the Airport has been completely operational and has the potential to turn the region into an economic hub.
0.4 million passengers
According to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the first flight PK 503 landed at the airport at 11:15 am Monday.
According to media reports, the New Gwadar International Airport is Pakistan’s second greenfield airport, designed to accommodate large-capacity aircraft, including airbuses. The facility is expected to serve over 400,000 passengers annually, enhancing connectivity and boosting the region’s aviation capabilities.
