Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting on Monday to discuss the operationalization of the New Gwadar International Airport, emphasizing its potential to significantly enhance regional prosperity. The prime minister lauded the airport as a symbol of the strong partnership between Pakistan and China, thanking China for its pivotal role in the construction of this state-of-the-art facility.
“The New Gwadar International Airport will drive regional prosperity and create substantial employment opportunities,” PM Shehbaz said. He called for a comprehensive strategy to turn the airport into a bustling transit hub and stressed the importance of improving road connectivity to the airport, particularly linking it to other parts of Balochistan. Additionally, he urged for robust security measures to ensure smooth and safe operations.
Operational Features and Future Plans
Officials provided a detailed briefing on the airport’s capabilities, revealing that it will be the largest in Pakistan by area, with the capacity to handle A-380 aircraft. The airport is expected to serve up to 400,000 passengers annually.
Key updates include:
- Operational Readiness: The Pakistan Airport Authority has issued the Aerodrome Certificate, and Pakistan Customs has officially recognized the airport. Key agencies, including the Airport Security Force, Pakistan Customs, Anti-Narcotics Force, Federal Investigation Agency, and Border Health Services, have deployed personnel to ensure the smooth operation of the facility.
- Flight Operations: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) currently operates flights between Karachi and Gwadar, with plans to increase the frequency to three weekly flights. Direct flights to Muscat will begin on January 10, 2025. Discussions are also underway with private airlines from Pakistan, China, Oman, and the UAE to expand both domestic and international flight services.
- Facility Development: The airport will feature essential infrastructure, including cold storage, warehouses, courier services, hotels, shopping malls, and banking facilities. The State Bank of Pakistan has been contacted regarding the establishment of bank branches and the installation of ATMs at the airport. Feasibility studies for expanding the road network, such as the second phase of the East-Bay Expressway, are also in progress.
Strategic Importance
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz emphasized the strategic importance of the New Gwadar International Airport in enhancing regional trade and connectivity, highlighting its role as a cornerstone of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The meeting was attended by key federal ministers and senior officials, including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who joined via video link.
With its potential to become a transformative hub, the New Gwadar International Airport is set to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth, boosting trade, and positioning Gwadar as a critical player in global logistics and transit.
