The New Gwadar International Airport, a landmark development under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is set to open its doors for operations next month. The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has announced an exciting incentive: aircraft using the airport initially will not incur any landing or parking charges. This move aims to establish the airport as a major hub for international trade and transit, connecting Gwadar to the Middle East, Central Asia, China, and other regions.
Built at an estimated cost of Rs55 billion, the New Gwadar International Airport boasts state-of-the-art facilities designed to meet international safety and performance standards. The airport’s runway is built to accommodate large aircraft, including the Airbus A380, ensuring it can handle global aviation demands with ease.
As Pakistan’s largest airport by area, the New Gwadar Airport is expected to handle an annual passenger volume of 400,000. In addition to passenger services, the facility will also house cold storage, warehouses, courier services, cargo shades, technical support equipment, fuel farms, hotels, and shopping malls. These features make the airport a comprehensive transit and trade center for the region.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the importance of making the New Gwadar Airport a bustling transit point. During a recent meeting, he directed authorities to develop a robust strategy for increasing its connectivity and improving road links to the airport, particularly to nearby provinces. The first phase of the East-Bay Expressway, which links the airport to major road networks, has been completed, with the second phase currently under feasibility review.
Flight operations are scheduled to begin with a route connecting Gwadar to Muscat on January 10, 2025. Additionally, discussions are ongoing to expand domestic and international flights with airlines from Pakistan, China, Oman, and the UAE. The national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), is also planning to increase its Karachi-Gwadar flights to three per week.
Security arrangements at the new facility are being enhanced to ensure seamless operations, and the airport’s strategic location is expected to provide businesses with additional access to major international markets. By fostering connections to the Middle East, Central Asia, and beyond, the airport positions Gwadar as a gateway to global trade.
The collaboration between Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority and China in constructing the New Gwadar International Airport highlights the region’s growing importance in international trade and logistics. As flight operations commence and infrastructure continues to develop, the airport is set to play a transformative role in Pakistan’s economy, making it a vital hub for regional connectivity and trade.
The New Gwadar International Airport symbolizes progress and prosperity, promising to reshape the region’s future with modern infrastructure and global outreach. With free landing and parking to kickstart its operations, the airport is poised to attract a multitude of airlines and passengers, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s aviation industry.
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