GWADAR: Pakistan’s largest airport, the Gwadar International Airport, became operational on Monday with the landing of the first PIA flight from Karachi carrying 46 passengers.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti welcomed the passengers of the inaugural flight with flowers.

Addressing the gathering at a grand ceremony on the occasion, the federal minister declared the new Gwadar International Airport as “not an end but a beginning”.

“We have turned a dream into reality with the inauguration of an airport at Gwadar,” Mr Asif said.

“The airport symbolises a new era of prosperity for the people of Gwadar and the rest of Balochistan. It will generate job opportunities and boost business,” the minister added.

Asif calls new airport vital component of CPEC; CM Bugti boasts of employment opportunities for locals

He described the airport as a milestone in the country’s aviation history and thanked everyone who contributed to its completion, calling it a “beacon of hope for Pakistan’s future”.

Mr Asif said the new airport is a vital component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. “The masterminds who envisioned CPEC prioritised the establishment of this state-of-the-art airport, recognising its potential to accelerate the region’s development,” he observed.

The defence minister held up the collaboration between Pakistan and China for building Gwadar airport as a testament to their “storied partnership”.

He acknowledged the tireless efforts and expertise of Pakistani and Chinese teams, whose dedication helped build an airport that conformed to international standards.

Mr Asif also expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its assistance, calling the airport a gift that would benefit the people of Balochistan and the rest of Pakistan.

The new Gwadar International Airport, the minister said, would transform the region and the entire country. “It is more than just an airport — it is a gateway to progress and will play a crucial role in laying new infrastructure and spur trade and tourism.”

The airport would attract investors, improve the quality of life for the people of Gwadar and encourage cultural exchanges, Mr Asif added.

Balochistan CM

In his speech at the ceremony, the Balochistan chief minister said that the inauguration of the Gwadar International Airport would turn out to be “a milestone for the speedy development of the province”.

“This airport is a historic project not only for Balochistan but also for the entire country. It will open up new vistas of trade, investment and tourism,” CM Bugti said.

Gwadar Airport is equipped with the latest technology and capable of handling large aircraft.

The chief minister said the new airport would connect Balochistan with major cities of the world and bring about immense progress in the province.

CM Bugti said this project would also provide employment opportunities to the locals.

“The people of Gwadar have always played a key role in the development of Balochistan and the new airport will hopefully speed up this process.”

Mr Bugti said the airport project is an important initiative under the CPEC banner and would go a long way in transforming Balochistan.

He said he was determined to undertake more projects so that the people of the province could see a positive change in their lives.

“Balochistan’s uplift is my priority and I will take all possible steps for this purpose.”

Flight takes off from Karachi

The inaugural PIA flight for Gwadar, PK-503, took off from Karachi at 9:50am with 46 passengers and landed at 11:10am. Upon its arrival, the flight was greeted with a water cannon salute on the runway.

According to a PIA spokesperson, the 3.6-kilometre-long runway of the Gwadar airport is suitable for large aircraft such as those belonging to Airbus and Boeing.

Built at a cost of Rs66 billion, the airport is spread over 4,300 acres, making it the country’s largest by area.

As a flagship project of CPEC, it boasts modern security arrangements and facilities for passengers.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2025