By Staff Reporter
KARACHI: Pakistan inaugurated its new Gwadar International Airport, a $246 million Chinese-backed project that aims to become a key hub for trade and tourism in the region, as the country deepens its economic ties with China.
The PIA flight, PK-503, departed from Karachi at 9:50 am and touched down at the airport at 11:15 am, carrying 46 passengers. The flight was greeted by a traditional water salute by water bowsers as it landed.
“Pakistan achieved a landmark moment in its aviation history on Monday as the first commercial flight successfully landed at the New Gwadar International Airport,” the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said in a statement.
The airport will handle both domestic and international flights. It features a single runway measuring 3,658 meters in length and 75 meters in width, capable of accommodating large aircraft like the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747.
Located 26 kilometers from Gwadar city, the airport is spread across 4,300 acres, making it Pakistan’s largest airport in terms of area. The facility will eventually feature various amenities, including a cold storage, cargo sheds, hotels, and shopping malls.
Defense and Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said he hoped the new airport would “drive economic growth and regional tourism, and strengthen international connectivity.”
The airport’s opening was delayed several times due to security concerns and other issues. A security review prompted by a string of deadly attacks by separatist militants in the southwestern Balochistan province had delayed the airport’s opening to the end of 2024 from August 14.
Pakistan hopes the new airport will boost economic growth and trade in the region. China has pledged over $65 billion in infrastructure, energy, and other projects in Pakistan under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The Gwadar airport is part of CPEC, a joint venture between Pakistan and China aimed at developing a deep-water port and other infrastructure projects in the region.
PIA plans to increase flights between Karachi and Gwadar to three times a week. Discussions are also ongoing with private airlines and carriers from China, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates to launch both domestic and international services.
“The New Gwadar International Airport is poised to play a pivotal role in connecting Pakistan to global markets and facilitating trade, tourism, and economic development,” the PAA said.
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