Gwadar International Airport officially inaugurated with first flight

The new Gwadar International Airport has received its first inaugural flight at 11:14 AM. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK-503 touched down on the only runway available at the airport.

In true PIA fashion, the flight departed late after it was delayed by 46 minutes at Karachi’s airport. The aircraft, an ATR, received a water salute upon landing to celebrate the inauguration of the airport.

The operationalization of the airport marks a key moment in the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Spanning an impressive 4,300 acres, the airport is the largest in terms of size in the entire country.

According to reports, the airport cost an estimated $230 million. Its construction was funded by the Chinese government in the form of a grant to Pakistan. The project employed 3,000 people during the time of its construction.

Analysts have been quick to question as to why the largest airport was not constructed in a larger city. At first glance, the claims seemingly have merit as the city of approximately 100 thousand residents might not require such a large airport. However, Gwadar is the crown jewel of the CPEC project and as such, justifies the need for the airport.

The airport's location sparks security concerns as well as Balochistan has historically been the victim of terrorist operatives. In March 2024, eight armed terrorists associated with the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) attacked the Gwadar Port Authority Complex.

Gwadar has not been able to leverage its strategic location for economic gains yet. Reports on January 9 suggested that the flow of trade has remained at suboptimal levels. However, despite the challenges, Islamabad seems to be fully invested in making the city a trade hub.

Lawmakers have committed to improving the low levels of cargo shipments currently flowing through Gwadar port. This is evident by the government’s decision to route 60 percent of all public sector cargoes through Gwadar.

Moreover, the flight to Gwadar was not a passenger flight as it carried key government officials only. However, flight operations will continue to and from the airport today.

Both national and international airlines have expressed great interest in serving the airport as per reports. The airport is expected to serve approximately 50 airlines for passenger, cargo and refueling operations.

Analysts have commented on how this spells great news for the tourism industry in Gwadar as the airport will bring in a greater number of people to the small city.