Pakistan’s Gwadar International Airport officially open with first PIA flight

Pakistan’s aviation industry achieved a historic milestone on Monday with the successful landing of the first commercial flight at the newly inaugurated Gwadar International Airport.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK-503, which departed from Karachi at 9:50 AM, landed at 11:15 AM, carrying 46 passengers. The arrival of this flight marked the official commencement of operations at the state-of-the-art facility, signaling a new era in the country’s aviation and regional connectivity.

“Pakistan achieved a landmark moment in its aviation history on Monday as the first commercial flight successfully landed at the New Gwadar International Airport,” the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said in a statement. “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 PAA said.

Gwadar International Airport marks historic opening with first Commercial Flight

Defense and Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, who served as the chief guest, was joined by Balochistan Governor Jafar Khan Mandokhel and Chief Minister Sarfaraz Ahmad Bugti to welcome the flight and its passengers. Minister Asif highlighted the significance of the new airport for Pakistan’s economic growth, regional tourism, and international connectivity.

“The New Gwadar International Airport will play a pivotal role in fostering economic development, connecting global markets, and enhancing trade and tourism in the region,” Asif remarked during the ceremony.

The New Gwadar International Airport is part of the larger China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative and reflects the growing partnership between Pakistan and China. Situated in the southwestern province of Balochistan, this facility is poised to bolster the region’s potential as a key hub for trade, tourism, and international connectivity.

China has committed over $65 billion to infrastructure projects in Pakistan under CPEC, including the development of Gwadar’s deep-water port, which is closely linked to the airport. The new airport, which can handle large aircraft like the Airbus A380, is expected to accommodate up to four million passengers annually and enhance Pakistan’s strategic position in regional and global trade routes.

Airport cost, infrastructure and facilities

Covering 4,300 acres, the airport is the largest in Pakistan by area. Situated 26 kilometers from Gwadar city in the Gurandani region, it boasts a single runway that stretches 3,658 meters in length and 75 meters in width.

This runway is designed to accommodate large aircraft, including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747.

The $246 million airport features modern amenities, including cold storage, cargo sheds, shopping malls, and banking services. It is equipped with advanced air traffic control systems, ensuring smooth operations for both domestic and international flights. The airport’s capacity is expected to grow significantly in the coming years as more international flights are added to the schedule.

The facility has already set plans in motion to increase the frequency of flights from Karachi to Gwadar, with PIA aiming to operate flights three times a week. Discussions are also underway with airlines from China, Oman, and the UAE to introduce additional international services.

Key highlights of Gwadar Airport

• PIA flight PK-503 from Karachi marks the beginning of Gwadar Airport operations.
• Located 26 kilometers from Gwadar city in the Gurandani region.
• The $246-million China-funded airport covers 4,300 acres and is set to become one of Pakistan’s largest airports.
• Gwadar Airport is a 4F-grade state-of-the-art facility to handle the largest civil aircraft. It is capable of accommodating large aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747.
• The airport has an annual capacity of 4 million passengers. It can handle both domestic and international flights,
• The airport is 3,658-meter-long, 75-meter-wide runway, with specialized foundation treatment.
• Designed to transform connectivity, the airport features a spacious apron with five slots for wide-body aircraft and plans for extensive cargo operations with a dedicated cargo shed and future expansions.

Gwadar Airport — Symbol of Pakistan-China friendship

The development of the New Gwadar International Airport is a testament to the strong bilateral ties between Pakistan and China. The project, which received funding from China, Pakistan, and Oman, is a vital component of CPEC, designed to improve infrastructure and connectivity across South Asia. The official inauguration of the airport was marked by a virtual ceremony in October 2024, attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The New Gwadar International Airport is expected to transform Gwadar into a major trade and tourism hub, significantly enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity with global markets. The successful launch of PIA flight PK-503 marks the first step toward realizing the full potential of the airport, which is set to become one of Pakistan’s largest and most strategic aviation facilities.