New Gwadar International Airport to Begin Operations on December 30

Islamabad:Preparations to make **New Gwadar International Airport** operational are in their final stages, following directions from the Prime Minister of Pakistan. According to sources, the airport is set to be operational on **December 30, 2023**, with the inaugural commercial flight to be operated by **Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)**.

After a lengthy **5-hour meeting** between the administration of PIA and the Airports Authority, key issues regarding the airport’s operation have been finalized. Sources confirm that **PIA** will deploy staff at the New Gwadar International Airport in the coming days, and will also set up essential equipment, including check-in computers, at the airport.

It was also decided during the meeting that **PIA** will not be charged any fees at the airport for one year. The authorities assured **PIA** that there would be no airport charges during this period.

The **New Gwadar International Airport** has been built with an investment of **$246 million** from **China** as part of the **China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)** project. The airport’s operationalization is expected to boost the region’s economy and enhance its global connectivity, further cementing the strategic importance of the **Gwadar Port** in the international trade landscape.