Islamabad (TDI): The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan has hailed as the Gwadar Airport started its operations today.
“The Gwadar New Int’l Airport, a Chinese-aided project, welcomes its first commercial flight PA-503 today,” the embassy wrote on X.
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“As a shining example of friendship, it can accommodate the largest civil aircraft,” it noted.
The embassy hoped that the airport would pave the way for Gwadar to become a regional business hub.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed the operationality of the airport.
“This marks the beginning of a new era of building linkages for enhanced connectivity and integration. I hope it will pave the way for new endless opportunities, InshaAllah,” he wrote on X.
Read More: Dar Congratulates as Gwadar Airport Becomes Functional
Earlier this month, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirmed that the airport will be operational starting on January 20, with initial flights operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
The CAA notification added that both local and foreign airlines have shown interest in launching flights to and from the New Gwadar International Airport, which will likely boost the region’s connectivity and economic growth.
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Located in Balochistan, the airport is part of Pakistan’s broader efforts to improve infrastructure and promote regional development, especially in Gwadar, a city strategically located along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The start of operations will play a major role in facilitating travel and trade, as well as fostering enhanced tourism and business opportunities in the area.