Pakistan achieved on Monday a landmark moment in its aviation history as the first commercial flight successfully landed at the New Gwadar International Airport, a flagship project of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
A security review triggered by deadly attacks by separatist militants in Balochistan last August delayed the airport’s opening to late 2024. Originally set to begin operations on Jan. 10, the launch was postponed once again.
The $246-million Chinese-funded project, designed to accommodate both domestic and international flights, is expected to become one of Pakistan’s largest airports, as per the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA).
According to Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), the Pakistan International Airline (PIA) flight PK-503, departing from Karachi at 9:50 a.m., touched down at the state-of-the-art Gwadar facility at 11:15 a.m., carrying 46 passengers, officially marking the commencement of operations at the newly inaugurated airport.
Defense and Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif was joined by Governor Balochistan Jafar Khan Mandokhel and Chief Minister Sarfaraz Ahmad Bugti to welcome the historic flight and its passengers.
A view of the terminal building at the international airport in Gwadar, Pakistan November 13, 2016. Picture taken November 13, 2016.
Reuters
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.
Other notable attendees included Director General of the Airports Security Force (ASF) Maj Gen Adnan, Director General of Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Zeeshan Saeed, General Officer Commanding 44 Division Maj Gen Adnan Sarwar Malik, Rear Admiral Adnan from the Pakistan Navy, Deputy Director General of Airports Sadiq u Rehman, and District Commissioner of Gwadar Hamoodur Rehman.
During the ceremony, 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.
The Secretary of Aviation Mangi and DG PAA AVM Zeeshan Saeed presented a shield to Minister Khawaja Asif in recognition of his leadership in advancing Pakistan’s aviation sector.
According to PAA, the New Gwadar International Airport is poised to play a pivotal role in connecting Pakistan to global markets and facilitating trade, tourism, and economic development. The successful landing of PIA flight PK-503 is a significant step toward realizing Gwadar’s potential as a regional and global hub for commerce and connectivity.
According to PAA, the new airport is fully equipped with the required infrastructure, systems, and personnel to support both domestic and international flights. It is designed to handle up to 400,000 passengers annually while with a 3.6 km long runway, the airport is capable of handling large aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380.
The airport features state-of-the-art air traffic control systems and navigational aids, ensuring smooth operations and the safety of air traffic.
The airport is strategically situated in the Grandani area of District Gwadar, Balochistan, covering 4,300 acres. The project has been developed at a cost of approximately US$246 million, funded by grants from the government of Pakistan, Pakistan Airports Authority, the Sultanate of Oman and the government of China.
It is pertinent to note that former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan had performed groundbreaking of New Gwadar International Airport in March 2019 and the completion date was December 2024.
According to PAA, the project is a testament to the strong friendship between Pakistan and China and a key component of CPEC, which is designed to promote economic development, regional connectivity and people-to-people links.
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