KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) achieved a milestone as flight PK-503 from Karachi became the first commercial aircraft to land at the newly inaugurated New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA).
Departing at 9:50AM, the ATR-72 aircraft touched down at 11:15AM, carrying 46 passengers, including senior officials from the aviation division.
Upon arrival, the flight was given a ceremonial water-cannon salute, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Gwadar’s aviation history.
Defence and Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti welcomed the passengers at the state-of-the-art airport.
New Gwadar International Airport
The New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA), located 26 kilometres from Gwadar city in the Gurandani area, is a flagship project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Constructed with a $230 million grant from China, the airport spans 4,300 acres, making it Pakistan’s largest by land area. Its 3,658-metre-long and 75-metre-wide runway can accommodate modern wide-body aircraft, including Airbus A380s.
The airport features advanced terminals, customs and immigration facilities, and cutting-edge security systems, capable of handling an annual passenger capacity of four million. NGIA aims to position Gwadar as a regional hub for tourism, trade, and logistics.
Strategic connectivity
The airport's strategic location offers a vital link connecting Pakistan with the Middle East, Central Asia, and beyond. Discussions with airlines from Oman, China, and the UAE are underway to launch international operations, further enhancing connectivity. Domestically, PIA plans to expand its operations from NGIA.
Despite delays in marketing and operational readiness, NGIA’s inauguration symbolises progress. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the airport as a "gift from China" during a high-level meeting. He also urged the swift completion of the East-Bay Expressway’s second phase to bolster road connectivity between Gwadar city and the airport.