GWADAR: Pakistan celebrated a major milestone in aviation history on Monday as the first commercial flight landed at the newly inaugurated New Gwadar International Airport, signaling the start of operations at the state-of-the-art facility.
PIA flight PK-503, carrying 46 passengers, departed from Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport at 9:50 AM and touched down at Gwadar at 11:15 AM. The event marked the airport’s official operational launch after years of development.
High-Profile Welcome Ceremony
Defense and Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif was present at the airport to welcome passengers aboard the inaugural flight. Speaking at the ceremony, he described the airport as a critical component of Gwadar’s transformation into a hub of economic activity, trade, and regional connectivity.
“The New Gwadar International Airport will boost economic growth, enhance regional tourism, and provide international connectivity, positioning Pakistan as a key player in the region’s trade and development,” the minister said.
State-of-the-Art Facility with Global Potential
Built with a 230 million US dollar grant from China, the New Gwadar International Airport is one of the flagship projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Despite being completed earlier, the facility had remained largely underutilized due to delays in marketing it internationally and appointing consultants for its commercialization.
The successful landing of the PIA flight now marks a turning point, with the airport poised to play a pivotal role in unlocking Gwadar’s economic and strategic potential.
Significance for Pakistan
A spokesperson for Pakistan International Airlines called the moment a proud achievement, noting the airport’s critical role in enhancing connectivity, promoting trade, and fostering regional development.
“The operational launch of this world-class facility represents a new era in air travel for Gwadar and Pakistan as a whole,” the spokesperson added.
The New Gwadar International Airport is expected to serve as a key driver of growth in the region, opening doors for increased international trade and investment while providing new opportunities for regional and global connectivity.
Muhammad Sohail Bhatti
Senior journalist and Editor of daily China Urdu in Islamabad.