Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting on Monday to finalize plans for the operationalization of the New Gwadar International Airport, emphasizing its potential to drive regional prosperity and economic growth.
Hailing the project as a symbol of Pakistan-China friendship, PM Shehbaz expressed gratitude to China for its pivotal role in constructing the state-of-the-art facility. He highlighted the airport’s strategic importance, stating it would boost employment, enhance connectivity, and position Gwadar as a key transit hub.
Key Updates on Airport Operations
- Operational Readiness: The airport, Pakistan’s largest by area and capable of handling A-380 aircraft, is now certified by the Pakistan Airport Authority. Personnel from key agencies, including Pakistan Customs, Anti-Narcotics Force, and Airport Security Force, have been deployed.
- Passenger Capacity: The facility is expected to handle up to 400,000 passengers annually.
- Flight Operations:
- Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is expanding its flights between Karachi and Gwadar to three weekly trips.
- Direct international flights to Muscat will begin on January 10, 2025.
- Discussions are underway with airlines from Pakistan, China, Oman, and the UAE to broaden domestic and international services.
- Facilities Development: Plans include cold storage, warehouses, courier services, hotels, shopping malls, and banking facilities. All banks registered with the State Bank of Pakistan have been invited to establish branches and ATMs at the airport.
- Connectivity Enhancements: PM Shehbaz directed accelerated work on road links, including the East-Bay Expressway’s second phase, to ensure seamless access to the airport.
Strategic Importance
PM Shehbaz underscored the airport’s role in strengthening regional trade under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The facility is poised to position Gwadar as a critical hub for global trade and transit, fostering economic opportunities across the region.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers and senior officials, including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, with Deputy PM Ishaq Dar joining via video link.
The New Gwadar International Airport stands ready to transform regional connectivity and economic development, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s infrastructure progress.
