TLDR:
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First PIA flight lands at Gwadar
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Traditional water salute marks the occasion
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Gwadar airport boosts regional connectivity
ISLAMABAD (The Thursday Times) — The New Gwadar International Airport officially commenced operations today, marking a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s infrastructure development. The inaugural flight, PIA’s PK-503 from Karachi, landed to much fanfare, with dignitaries including Federal Minister Khawaja Asif and Balochistan’s Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti present to greet passengers. A traditional water salute added to the celebratory mood.
نیو گوادر انٹرنیشنل ایئرپورٹ مکمل طور پر فعال؛
نئے ایئرپورٹ پر پہنچنے والی پہلی پرواز کو واٹرکینن سے سلامی دی گئی pic.twitter.com/3xBqOTijfo— The Thursday Times (@thursday_times) January 20, 2025
First flight lands at Gwadar airport
PIA’s first commercial flight to the New Gwadar International Airport arrived with a delay but landed smoothly, symbolising a new era of connectivity for the region. The ATR aircraft took off from Karachi at 10:00 AM and touched down in Gwadar at 11:11 AM. Passengers were greeted by a welcoming committee of government officials and Chinese delegates, reflecting the airport’s significance for both local and international stakeholders.
Gwadar airport sets a new standard
Spanning over 4,300 acres, the New Gwadar International Airport is Pakistan’s largest aviation facility. Located 26 kilometres from Gwadar city in Goran Daani, it boasts a runway capable of accommodating the largest aircraft in the world, such as Airbus A380s and Boeing 747s. The airport represents a key infrastructure milestone, built at a cost exceeding 50 billion rupees.
Operational readiness and milestones
Following its symbolic inauguration in October 2024 by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the airport has been fully integrated into global flight tracking systems. Operations have now officially shifted from the old airport, enhancing Pakistan’s aviation capabilities. This transition underscores the facility’s readiness to cater to domestic and international air traffic.
Critical link in CPEC’s success
The airport is not just an aviation hub; it is a strategic asset in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Positioned to bolster regional trade, it strengthens Gwadar’s role as a linchpin in connecting South Asia with global markets. Beyond economic benefits, the airport is poised to serve as a gateway for cultural and diplomatic exchanges, amplifying its importance on the international stage.
