New Gwadar International Airport Ready for Operations, PIA to Launch Inaugural Flights

Islamabad:After the completion of the New Gwadar International Airport, the facility is now set to begin operations. According to aviation sources, preparations are in place, and special inaugural flights from Karachi and Islamabad, operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), are scheduled to land at the new airport.

**Inaugural Flights and Water Salute:**
Sources confirm that an ATR aircraft will depart from Karachi, while an Airbus A320 will fly from Islamabad to land at Gwadar International Airport. Upon arrival, both aircraft will be honored with a traditional water salute, a ceremonial gesture that marks the significance of the inaugural flight.

**High-Level Reception:**
It is expected that the Federal Minister for Defense and Aviation, Khawaja Asif, will be present to welcome the inaugural flights and attend the opening ceremony at the airport.

**Flight Operations:**
According to PIA’s spokesperson, the airline has already planned its flight operations for the new airport. Both the ATR and Airbus A320 aircraft will be deployed for operations from Gwadar. Additionally, equipment required for operating the Airbus A320 at the airport is being delivered.

**A Multi-Billion-Dollar Project:**
The construction of the New Gwadar International Airport has cost approximately 55 billion Pakistani rupees. The airport’s runway has been built to international standards, capable of accommodating large aircraft, including the Airbus A380. This major infrastructure project is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and has been developed with China’s cooperation under the supervision of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

With its state-of-the-art facilities, the New Gwadar International Airport is poised to become a crucial hub in the region, enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth.