Delay in commercialization of Gwadar Airport irks stakeholders
The delayed commercialization of the New Gwadar International Airport,
developed with a $230 million grant from China as part of the Belt and Road
Initiative, has drawn sharp criticism from Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal.
Despite its inauguration last month by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and
Chinese Premier Li Qiang, the airport remains underutilized due to insufficient
international marketing and the absence of a comprehensive operational plan.
During a review meeting, Iqbal expressed frustration over a lackluster
presentation by aviation and port authorities, which detailed minimal progress.
“China delivered an airport built to international standards, yet there has
been zero progress on Pakistan’s side,” Iqbal remarked.
Minimal Progress on
Facilities
Authorities from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and Pakistan
Airport Authority (PAA) provided updates, stating that space had been allocated
for government departments, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), ground
handling agents, and cargo sheds. Tenders for cold storage and expressions of
interest for commercial warehouses, hotels, and maintenance-repair-overhaul
(MRO) facilities were also mentioned. However, the minister deemed these
measures inadequate and long overdue.
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“Such arrangements, along with a
commercial plan, should have been initiated two years before completion,”
Iqbal stated, emphasizing that the airport, equipped to handle aircraft like
the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747, should have been operational within six months
of completion.
Missed Opportunities for
Strategic Positioning
Iqbal highlighted that Gwadar Airport’s potential as a hub for international
airlines has been underutilized. He urged aviation authorities to proactively
engage with international airlines and governments, showcasing the airport’s
strategic advantages for shorter routes to Africa and other regions.
To incentivize airline operations, the minister proposed offering discounted
rates for at least five years and targeting technical landings as a key revenue
strategy. He emphasized the importance of immediate action, warning that delays
in attracting airlines would diminish the airport’s viability over time.
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Modern Facilities, Yet
Limited Use
The state-of-the-art airport features a 3,648-meter runway, a
14,000-square-meter passenger terminal, and auxiliary facilities like air
traffic control and a community hospital. With an annual capacity of 400,000
passengers, expandable to 1.6 million, its potential remains untapped.
Urgent Directives for
Commercialization
The minister directed the PCAA to engage international logistics firms such
as DHL and FedEx to establish cargo operations and develop business
partnerships. He also stressed the importance of commercial amenities like
restaurants, duty-free shops, and recreational facilities to attract travelers
and businesses.
Citing examples like Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport, which features a golf
course, Iqbal suggested leveraging unused airport land for innovative projects.
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Three-Week Deadline for
Comprehensive Plan
Iqbal concluded the meeting by setting a three-week deadline for aviation
authorities to present a detailed commercialisation plan with clear timelines.
He called for immediate, collaborative action to position Gwadar Airport as a
hub for regional and global connectivity, ensuring its role in driving Gwadar’s
economic growth and supporting Pakistan’s broader development goals.
Source: Dawn