Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will operate its first ever flight to the New Gwadar International Airport on January 20, 2025, marking a milestone in the country’s aviation history.
“This is a proud step towards connecting Pakistan like never before,” PIA announced on social media, celebrating the historic event.
The new Gwadar International Airport, the largest in Pakistan, is set to officially begin operations on the same day, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has confirmed. The state-of-the-art facility covers an area of 4,300 acres and features a 12,000-foot runway capable of accommodating large aircraft such as the Airbus A380.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, PIA will operate the initial flights, with national and international airlines expressing interest in serving the airport. The new airport is expected to play a pivotal role in promoting tourism, trade and regional connectivity, providing improved travel opportunities for domestic and international routes.
“The construction of the New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA), along with its associated facilities, creates a gateway capable of handling domestic and international aircraft,” the CPEC website highlighted. The airport was built under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project at an estimated cost of $230 million and was funded through a grant from the Chinese government.
Located 26 kilometers east of Gwadar city, the airport will support more than 50 airlines daily for refueling, cargo and passenger operations. “The start of operations will facilitate travel and trade while promoting growing business opportunities in the region,” the Civil Aviation Authority noted in its announcement.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the airport was held in 2019, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Construction began in October 2019, creating 3,000 jobs. The project aims to make Gwadar an important hub in Balochistan, supporting CPEC’s goals of improving connectivity and economic growth.