Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) successfully landed its first commercial flight at the New Gwadar International Airport on Monday, marking a significant milestone for the country’s aviation sector. The airport, the largest in Pakistan by area, was constructed through a joint investment by China and Oman. PIA’s ATR aircraft touched down at the state-of-the-art facility at 11:15 AM, followed by an inaugural ceremony attended by officials and dignitaries.
The New Gwadar Airport, with an annual capacity of 400,000 passengers, was initially approved in 2009 during the Pakistan Peoples Party government. Construction began in 2019, but the project faced delays due to security concerns, particularly attacks targeting Chinese engineers. The airport’s completion took nearly 16 years, with officials citing the country’s volatile security situation as a major factor.
China has heavily invested in Gwadar, including the construction of the airport and a nearby port, as part of President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative. The New Gwadar Airport is a key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and spans approximately 4,300 acres in the Grandani area. According to a Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson, the airport features a 3.6-kilometer runway capable of accommodating large aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380. It is equipped with advanced air traffic control systems, navigational aids, and modern security features, alongside passenger amenities.
Defense and Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif, addressing the inauguration ceremony, emphasized that the airport would usher in a new era of prosperity for the people of Balochistan. He highlighted its potential to attract investment, create jobs, and boost local businesses, calling it a remarkable achievement of China-Pakistan cooperation.
However, the project’s cost has surged significantly over the years. Initially estimated at $90.6 million in 2009, the budget has now ballooned to $246 million. Funding has been provided through grants from the governments of Pakistan, China, and Oman, as well as the Pakistan Airports Authority.
Despite its inauguration, some experts have raised concerns about the airport’s immediate utility. Senator Jan Buledi of the National Party noted that Gwadar district already has four airports, most of which are non-operational. He suggested that while the airport might serve strategic purposes for China, its commercial and economic benefits remain limited for now.
Irshad Ghani, a former senior marketing official at PIA, acknowledged that the airport’s usage could grow alongside the development of Gwadar Port and the city’s expansion. However, he pointed out that the slow progress of CPEC projects has hindered the airport’s potential impact.
The airport’s inauguration was postponed multiple times due to security concerns and protests in Balochistan. Originally scheduled for August 14, 2024, the event was delayed following demonstrations by the Baloch Solidarity Committee. The first ATR flight, which typically landed at the old airport, finally arrived on January 20.
Questions remain about the airport’s future and whether it will fulfill its intended objectives. Experts argue that its success depends heavily on the broader development of Gwadar and the overall progress of the CPEC initiative. For now, the New Gwadar International Airport stands as a symbol of ambition, but its true potential remains to be seen.
