Commercial flights' operation starts at Gwadar International Airport
The New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA) officially commenced commercial operations on January 20, marking a historic moment in Pakistan’s aviation sector.
The inaugural commercial flight, PIA
flight PK-503, departed Karachi at 9:50 AM and landed at the state-of-the-art
Gwadar airport at 11:15 AM with 46 passengers on board. The aircraft was
welcomed with a ceremonial water salute, signifying the launch of operations at
the new facility.
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The Pakistan Aviation Authority
(PAA) hailed the event as "a landmark moment," emphasizing NGIA’s
role in enhancing Pakistan’s global connectivity and driving trade, tourism,
and economic growth.
Spread over 4,300 acres, NGIA is
equipped with advanced infrastructure, including a modern runway, aprons,
passenger terminals, and technical facilities. Built at a cost of $246 million
under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the airport is among
Pakistan’s largest and is designed to accommodate both domestic and
international flights.
The airport’s inauguration faced
multiple delays. Initially planned for August 14, 2024, the opening was
postponed due to security concerns following attacks in the Balochistan
province. Additional delays in January pushed the launch to its eventual debut
this month.
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Defence and Aviation Minister
Khawaja Muhammad Asif, who attended the inauguration ceremony, underscored the
airport’s significance. “This state-of-the-art facility will enhance Pakistan’s
global connectivity, boost tourism, and unlock immense opportunities for trade
and development,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Chinese government for
its support in completing the project.
As part of broader initiatives under
CPEC, NGIA is expected to transform Gwadar into a key economic hub, serving as
a gateway for trade and tourism in South Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. The
airport will also play a crucial role in facilitating Pakistan’s access to
markets in Europe, Africa, and Central Asia.
The operational launch of the New
Gwadar International Airport represents a major step toward realizing
Pakistan’s goals of economic integration and enhanced regional connectivity.
Source: Pakistan Today