Pakistan’s Gwadar Airport Begins Int’l Flight Operations

PIA flight carried 39 passengers to Oman

Fri Jan 24 2025
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KARACHI: Pakistan’s newly inaugurated Gwadar International Airport marked a historic moment on Friday as the first international flight took off for Oman from the airport.

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight was operated to Muscat with 39 passengers aboard, just days after the facility in southwestern Balochistan province commenced commercial operations.

According to a PIA spokesperson, the inaugural flight, PK-197, carried 39 passengers and departed on schedule, marking the official launch of international operations from the airport.

He said that PIA will operate a weekly flight from Gwadar to Muscat. “PIA is committed to activating air operations across the country in line with national aspirations and public needs,” he said.

The New Gwadar International Airport officially commenced operations last Monday, marking a milestone in Pakistan’s aviation history and a move toward establishing the country as a hub for regional connectivity.

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Pakistan International Airlines’ Karachi-Gwadar PK-503 flight landed at the state-of-the-art airport at 11:15 am, symbolising the start of this new chapter. The flight, which departed Karachi at 9:50 am with 46 passengers, was greeted with a water salute upon arrival.

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.

The New Gwadar International Airport is equipped with international standards and facilities.

According to reports, the 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.

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