New Gwadar International Airport is set to begin operations on January 20th, 2025, announced Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will operate the flights initially. Covering an area of 4300 acres, Gwadar International Airport is the largest airport in Pakistan. It features a 12,000-foot-long and 246-meter-wide runway. It is capable of accommodating large aircraft such as the Airbus A380. The airport will also support refueling and cargo operations for over 50 airlines daily.
The CAA issued a formal notification regarding the beginning of operations at Gwadar International Airport. According to CAA, both national and international airlines have expressed interest in operating flights for Gwadar. The start of operations will play a pivotal role in facilitating travel and trade, as well as fostering increased tourism and business opportunities in the area.
According to the CPEC website, the airport’s construction created 3000 jobs. The groundbreaking ceremony of the airport was held by former Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2019. Implementation of the project was handed over to the Aviation Division. The construction work began on October 31st, 2019.
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“Construction of New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA), along with allied facilities for a new airport that will be capable of handling a combination of ATR 72, Airbus, (A-300), Boeing (B-737), and Boeing (B-747) for domestic as well international routes,” the web portal mentions regarding the much-anticipated facility.
With the ease of travel, the airport is expected to enhance regional connectivity. Gwadar is located in the southwestern province of Balochistan, serving as a major point in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The airport is located 26km east of Gwadar city. Financing of the project was done through the Chinese government’s grant under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project and its cost was estimated at $230 million. Developing the city of Gwadar for commercial purposes is one of the major objectives of CPEC.