Islamabad (TDI): The New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA) will be operation in January with flight operations from Gwadar to Muscat starting on January 10, 2025; a key meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was informed on Monday.
In a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz hailed the opening of the NGIA as “a shining example of China-Pakistan friendship”.
“We are grateful to our great friend China for building an airport equipped with international standards and modern facilities,” the premier said, adding that NGIA’s operationalisation will bring wealth to the region and provide job possibilities.
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The New Gwadar Airport is one of the major China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. It was built at a cost of $246 million, fully financed by the Chinese side.
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz instructed officials to develop a comprehensive plan to convert NGIA into a bustling transport hub. He said the Gwadar airport should be connected with other areas, particularly Balochistan province.
The NGIA is Pakistan’s largest airport by area. It can handle A-380 aircraft and has the capacity to handle four million passengers annually.
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The airport has received an aerodrome certificate from the Pakistan Airport Authority (PPA). The PAA, Airport Security Force (ASF), Pakistan Customs, Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Border Health Service have also been deployed at the airport.
During the meeting, it was stated that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will soon start flight operations between Karachi and Gwadar.
Discussions are also underway with private airlines of China, Oman and UAE to commence domestic and international flight operations from Gwadar.
