Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to inaugurate the New Gwadar International Airport on January 1, 2025.
PIA flight PK503 landing at the new airport will officially open Gwadar to the world, connecting the port city to international destinations for the first time.
This historic event signifies a major leap in Pakistan’s aviation and trade sectors, enabling international flights and cargo operations to and from the region.
Gwadar goes international
In a major development, the federal government has officially designated Gwadar Airport as an international airport. This decision allows the airport to receive international flights, marking a new chapter for the city as a global transit hub.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) issued two critical notifications to facilitate the transition. The first notification, under Section 9, formally declared the airport international, while the second, under Section 10, legally permits international passenger flights to both land and take off at Gwadar.
A strategic milestone for CPEC
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has hailed the airport as a “gift” from China, recognising its importance as a key project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The airport is a vital piece of the $200 million infrastructure investment that is set to enhance regional connectivity and foster economic integration.
The project is expected to significantly impact trade and commerce, benefiting both countries involved in CPEC.
Gwadar Airport
The official inauguration of Gwadar Airport took place virtually in October 2023, during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who attended the ceremony as part of a high-profile bilateral visit to Pakistan.
The airport’s strategic location on the southwestern coast of Balochistan, 14 km north of the city, positions it as a central point for global trade.
Gwadar’s new status as an international gateway will enhance its role in CPEC, transforming it into a vital trade hub linking Central Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. The airport, one of Pakistan’s largest, will handle both domestic and international flights, positioning it as a critical element in Pakistan’s broader economic growth.