New Gwadar International Airport Now Operational

The Pakistan Airports Authority on Monday announced the commencement of operations at the New Gwadar International Airport (NGIAP) and rebuffed earlier rumors of delay due to rain. In a statement issued from its headquarters at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, the PAA urged the public to ignore unverified reports and rely only on trusted sources for accurate information. The first commercial flight successfully landed at the New airport today. PIA flight PK-503, departing from Karachi at 9:50 AM, touched down at the state-of-the-art Gwadar facility at 11:15 AM, carrying 46 passengers, officially marking the commencement of operations at the newly inaugurated airport. Defence and Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, the Chief Guest, was joined by Governor Balochistan Jafar Khan Mandokhel and Chief Minister Sarfaraz Ahmad Bugti to welcome the historic flight and its passengers. Addressing the gathering, Minister Khawaja Asif emphasized the strategic importance of the New Gwadar International Airport in driving economic growth, fostering regional tourism, and strengthening international connectivity. Located in the Grandani area of Gwadar district, Balochistan, the airport spans 4,300 acres and has been developed at a cost of approximately $246 million, with funding from Pakistan, China, the Sultanate of Oman, and the Pakistan Airports Authority. During the ceremony, Minister Khawaja Asif distributed certificates and shields to distinguished guests for their contributions to the airport’s success. Recipients included Chief Minister Bugti, Governor Mandokhel, Secretary of Aviation Mangi, CEO of PIA AVM Amir Hayat, DG ASF Maj Gen Adnan Sarwar Malik, Rear Admiral Adnan, and various project officials. Groundbreaking took place in November 2019, with the project reaching completion in December 2024. The airport features modern infrastructure capable of handling 400,000 passengers annually. Its 3.6-kilometer runway can accommodate large aircraft, including Boeing 747s and Airbus A380s. Additionally, it boasts cutting-edge air traffic control systems, navigational aids, advanced security measures, and passenger amenities. As a key CPEC initiative, the airport is poised to drive economic growth, improve regional connectivity, and strengthen people-to-people ties between Pakistan and its neighbors.