New Gwadar International Airport Begins Operations with First Flight to Muscat
The newly constructed Gwadar International Airport in the coastal city of Gwadar, Balochistan, has officially started operations. The first flight, operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), PK 197, departed from Gwadar to Muscat, Oman.
The construction and operationalization of the New Gwadar International Airport is one of Pakistan’s major development projects. The airport’s construction began in 2019, and its virtual inauguration took place last year by Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. According to officials from the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), the airport is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and has cost approximately 55 billion rupees to build.
The New Gwadar International Airport is Pakistan’s largest airport, covering an area of 4,300 acres. The runway of the airport is over 12,000 feet long, capable of accommodating Airbus 380 aircraft with a capacity of 400 to 500 passengers. The terminal building spans 14,000 square meters.
The cargo complex at the airport has an initial capacity of 30,000 tons, with cold storage and warehouse facilities. Additionally, the air traffic control tower covers 1,200 square meters and stands 42 meters tall.
**Why is Gwadar’s New Airport Significant?**
According to the Pakistan Airports Authority, the airport is strategically positioned to establish dynamic connections with major global and regional destinations, tapping into its growing economic importance. This airport is well-suited for both domestic flights and international operations, making it an ideal hub for airlines seeking new opportunities. It will provide direct connectivity to key domestic centers like Islamabad and international locations such as Muscat, Oman, and Shenyang, China.
Moreover, with the operationalization of the airport, flight options to major global markets, including the United Arab Emirates, Europe, the Far East, Central Asia, and Africa, will become more feasible. This will not only facilitate passenger movement but also create business opportunities. The airport will serve as a crucial point for exporting seafood, minerals, and other goods to China, Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Europe, and beyond, contributing significantly to the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
