Direct Flights
Flights from Gwadar to Muscat are set to begin on January 10, 2025, officials informed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a meeting focused on the newly constructed international airport in Gwadar, Balochistan.
The airport, a significant milestone in Pakistan’s infrastructure development, was virtually inaugurated in October this year by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
The Beijing-funded Gwadar International Airport, built at an estimated cost of Rs54.98 billion (approximately $240 million), represents a landmark achievement in Pakistan-China collaboration.
During the inauguration ceremony on October 15, PM Shehbaz hailed the project as a critical step toward realizing the vision of regional connectivity and a testament to the enduring strength of Pakistan-China friendship.
Located 26 kilometers northeast of the current Gwadar airport, the new facility spans 3,000 acres, making it the largest airport in Pakistan by area. It is the country’s second greenfield airport, following the Islamabad International Airport.
Designed to handle various aircraft, including ATR 72s, Airbus A-300s, Boeing 737s, and Boeing 747s, the airport will accommodate both domestic and international flights.
Officials revealed that discussions are underway with airlines from Pakistan, China, Oman, and the UAE to launch flight operations. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has already announced plans to increase its Karachi-Gwadar flights to three per week, further enhancing connectivity.
With an annual capacity to handle 400,000 passengers, the airport is equipped to accommodate A-380 aircraft. The Pakistan Airport Authority has issued an aerodrome certificate, while Pakistan Customs has also approved the facility.
Key departments, including the Airport Security Force, Anti-Narcotics Force, Federal Investigation Agency, and Border Health Service, have stationed staff at the site to ensure smooth operations.
The airport’s infrastructure also includes land allocated for cold storage, warehouses, courier services, cargo facilities, technical ground support, fuel farms, hotels, and shopping malls. Additionally, discussions are ongoing with banks registered with the State Bank of Pakistan to establish branches and ATMs at the airport.
Efforts to enhance road connectivity to the airport are underway, with the first phase of the East-Bay Expressway already completed. Feasibility studies for the second phase are in progress.
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz expressed gratitude to China for its support in constructing the airport and emphasized its potential to bring prosperity to the region.
He highlighted the importance of turning the airport into a busy transit hub, calling for robust road links and comprehensive security measures to support its operations.
The prime minister reiterated that the New Gwadar International Airport exemplifies the strong partnership between Pakistan and China and underscored its role in creating job opportunities and boosting regional development.
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