Gwadar Airport becomes fully functional with first international flight to Muscat
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) achieved a historic milestone as its
inaugural international flight, PK-197, took off from the newly constructed
Gwadar International Airport to Muscat, Oman.
According to a PIA spokesperson, the flight carried 39 passengers, marking
the beginning of international operations from the state-of-the-art facility.
The launch reflects PIA’s efforts to enhance regional connectivity and meet
growing passenger demand.
To start, PIA will operate weekly flights between Gwadar and Muscat.
Speaking on the occasion, PIA officials bid farewell to passengers and
reiterated the airline's commitment to expanding services to meet public
expectations and national aspirations.
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Airport to begin flights to Muscat from January 10
Last week, Gwadar International Airport formally commenced operations,
marking a new chapter in Pakistan's aviation history. The airport welcomed its
first commercial flight, PK-503, from Karachi, which landed at 11:15 AM and
received a water cannon salute upon arrival. The flight, carrying 46 passengers,
departed Karachi at 9:50 AM.
Spanning 4,300 acres, the airport is Pakistan's largest and a significant
step towards regional development. The start of operations has been widely
praised by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Balochistan
Governor Jaffar Mandokhail, and Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the airport as a symbol of
Pakistan-China friendship and a vital step in enhancing regional and
international connectivity. "The Gwadar airport links Gwadar with Central
and East Asia, as well as the Middle East and Gulf states," the Prime
Minister remarked.
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trains Pakistani staff for New Gwadar International Airport
He added, "This achievement brings us closer to fulfilling the joint
vision of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif under the
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for Pakistan's development and regional
growth."
At the inauguration ceremony, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti
called the airport a milestone for the province’s prosperity and economic
stability. "The Gwadar International Airport opens new avenues of progress
for Balochistan," he said.
The launch of operations at the airport underscores Pakistan's commitment to
becoming a hub of regional connectivity and progress.
Source: Express Tribune