Historic Opening of New Gwadar International Airport Today
The New Gwadar International Airport, a pivotal development under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is being inaugurated today (Monday).
Although scheduled to begin with a flight from Karachi, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK-503 experienced a delay. Originally set to depart at 9:14 am, the flight took off 45 minutes late at 10 am. Upon its arrival at the new airport, the aircraft will be honoured with a water salute.
P.c. China Pakistan Economic Corridor
Dignitaries, including Balochistan Governor Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif, and representatives from Pakistan and China, are present to commemorate this significant event.
Located 26 kilometres from Gwadar city in Gurandani, the airport spans 430 acres, making it the largest in Pakistan by area. The state-of-the-art facility features a 3,658-metre-long and 75-metre-wide runway capable of accommodating massive aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747.
Built at an estimated cost of Rs50 billion, the airport symbolizes modern aviation excellence. The former Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, had symbolically inaugurated the project on October 14, 2024. The replacement of the old airport with this modern facility has also been reflected on flight tracking platforms, where its new location is now visible.
With today’s inaugural flight, regular operations at the New Gwadar International Airport officially begin, marking a new era of connectivity for the region.