New Gwadar International Airport Set to Boost Prosperity & Connectivity: PM Shehbaz 

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday expressed his confidence that the New Gwadar International Airport would bring significant prosperity to the region, creating new job opportunities and enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity with the world.

During a meeting on the progress of the new airport, the prime minister thanked China for its role in constructing the state-of-the-art facility, describing it as a testament to the strong friendship between Pakistan and China. He emphasized that the airport, which boasts international standards, will not only provide improved infrastructure but will also play a key role in transforming Gwadar into a bustling transit hub.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed relevant authorities to develop a strategy to ensure the airport becomes a busy transit point and to improve road links connecting the airport with other regions of the country, particularly the province of Balochistan. He also emphasized the importance of establishing foolproof security measures for the airport to ensure its smooth operation.

The meeting revealed that Gwadar’s airport will soon begin flight operations to Muscat starting January 10, 2025. Discussions are ongoing with airlines from Pakistan, China, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates to initiate both domestic and international flights from Gwadar. Additionally, the frequency of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights between Karachi and Gwadar will soon be increased to three times per week.

The New Gwadar International Airport will be the largest airport in Pakistan by area and is equipped to handle large aircraft, including the Airbus A-380. It is expected to accommodate around 400,000 passengers annually. The Pakistan Airport Authority has already issued the Aerodrome Certificate, and Pakistan Customs has also notified the airport.

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In preparation for the airport’s operations, staff from various government departments, including the Airport Security Force, Pakistan Customs, and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), have been assigned to the site. The airport will feature a range of facilities, including cold storage, warehouses, cargo services, hotels, and shopping malls. Banks registered with the State Bank of Pakistan are also making arrangements to set up branches and ATM machines at the airport.

To improve access to the airport, the first phase of the East-Bay Expressway, aimed at enhancing road connectivity, has already been completed. The feasibility of the second phase is currently being prepared.

The meeting was attended by key officials, including Minister for Defence and Aviation Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, among others. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Minister for Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan participated via video link.

With its world-class facilities and strategic location, the New Gwadar International Airport is poised to become a major catalyst for economic growth, regional connectivity, and prosperity in the region.