A massive $240 million airport built in Gwadar, Pakistan, with Chinese funding is currently sitting empty, with no flights, passengers, or operational timeline. The New Gwadar International Airport, completed in October 2024 as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), was meant to boost trade and connectivity. However, it has yet to begin operations, highlighting the challenges faced by large infrastructure projects in the region.
A Futuristic Airport Without Travelers
The airport was built to handle 400,000 passengers annually, yet the city of Gwadar has a population of only 90,000. The impressive facility stands in stark contrast to the surrounding Balochistan province, where basic necessities like electricity and clean water remain scarce. Despite billions of dollars invested through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the region continues to struggle with poverty and security concerns.
Limited Connectivity and Security Concerns
Currently, Gwadar remains disconnected from major cities in Pakistan. The existing domestic airport only offers a few flights to Karachi, and there are no direct flights to major cities like Islamabad or Lahore. The coastal highway leading to Gwadar also lacks essential amenities, making travel difficult.
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Security risks add another layer of complexity. The new airport was inaugurated virtually by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang instead of hosting an on-ground event. This was due to fears of potential attacks from militants hiding in nearby mountains. Even the first flight took off without media coverage, reflecting the secrecy surrounding the project.
Challenges in Local Development
Despite promises of economic growth, Gwadar still faces major infrastructure issues. The city is not connected to Pakistan’s national power grid and depends on unreliable electricity imports from Iran. Water shortages are another pressing concern, with no major solutions in place.
Authorities claim that CPEC has created around 2,000 jobs in Gwadar, but it is unclear how many of these positions have gone to local Baloch residents, who have historically been marginalized in their own province. Many locals still struggle to find employment despite the large-scale investments in their region.
Future Prospects and Uncertain Plans
While the New Gwadar International Airport was designed to be a key part of Pakistan’s economic future, its current state raises serious questions about planning, execution, and long-term sustainability. Without a clear operational strategy, improved security, and better infrastructure support, the airport risks becoming another underutilized mega-project.
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