New Gwadar International Airport’s flight operations to start on January 1, 2025
The New Gwadar International Airport is set to officially commence flight operations on January 1, 2025. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will mark the occasion with special inaugural flights departing from Karachi and Islamabad.
According to a PIA spokesperson, an
ATR aircraft will operate the Karachi-bound flight, while an Airbus 320 will
serve the Islamabad route. Both inaugural flights will receive a ceremonial
water salute upon arrival. Federal Defense and Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif
is expected to officiate the inauguration.
Read More Chinese
and Pakistani Prime Ministers virtually inaugurate Gwadar Airport
Constructed at a cost of
approximately Rs 55 billion, the airport is a cornerstone of the China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor (CPEC). Its state-of-the-art runway meets international
standards, capable of accommodating large aircraft such as the Airbus A380.
Although flight operations were
temporarily halted in February 2024 due to a 16-hour torrential downpour, the
airport has completed all necessary preparations to handle both domestic and
international flights.
The opening of the New Gwadar
International Airport signifies a major milestone in regional connectivity and
economic growth under the CPEC framework.
Source: The Nation