An important meeting chaired by the Prime Minister was held to review matters related to the New Gwadar International Airport, during which a detailed briefing was provided on the airport’s operationalization.
The briefing highlighted that the New Gwadar International Airport is the largest in the country in terms of area. It is capable of handling A-380 aircraft and can facilitate travel for 4 million passengers annually. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority has issued an Aerodrome Certificate for the airport, and Pakistan Customs has officially notified its operational status. The airport is staffed with personnel from the Civil Aviation Authority, Airport Security Force, Pakistan Customs, Anti-Narcotics Force, Federal Investigation Agency, and Border Health Services.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plans to increase its Karachi-Gwadar flight operations to three times a week. Additionally, flights from Gwadar to Muscat are set to commence on January 10, next year. Negotiations are ongoing with private Pakistani airlines as well as airlines from China, Oman, and the UAE to initiate domestic and international operations from Gwadar.
The airport will also feature cold storage facilities, warehouses, courier services, cargo sheds, technical ground support equipment, fuel farms, hotels, and shopping malls. Spaces for bank branches and ATM installations have been allocated, with outreach to all banks registered with the State Bank of Pakistan. The first phase of the East-Bay Expressway, which connects the airport to the road network, has been completed, while the feasibility for the second phase is underway.
The Prime Minister instructed the improvement of road connectivity between the New Gwadar International Airport and other areas of the country, particularly in Balochistan. He also emphasized implementing foolproof security measures for the airport.
On the occasion, the Prime Minister remarked, “The New Gwadar International Airport stands as a testament to the great friendship between Pakistan and China. We are deeply grateful to our great friend, China, for constructing an airport equipped with international standards and modern facilities. The operationalization of the New Gwadar International Airport will bring prosperity to the region and create employment opportunities.” He further directed that a feasible strategy be devised to transform the airport into a bustling transit hub.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Defense and Aviation Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, and other senior officials. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Federal Minister for Privatization and Investment Abdul Aleem Khan participated via video link.
