After months of delay, Pakistan officially inaugurated its biggest international airport on Monday in Balochistan province. China funded and constructed the Gwadar International Airport as a key part of the ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, which aims to strengthen trade and infrastructure ties between the two countries.
The airport, initially scheduled to open on 14 August 2024, faced several delays due to security concerns after separatist militants attacked the area in southwestern Balochistan. The final inauguration is on January 15, 2025.
The Gwadar New Int’l Airport, Chinese aided project, welcomes its first commercial flight PA-503 today. As a shining example of 🇨🇳🇵🇰 friendship, it can accommodate the largest civil aircraft, and will pave the way for Gwadar to become a regional business hub. @PlanComPakistan pic.twitter.com/tnlyrCGuU0
— Chinese Emb Pakistan (@CathayPak) January 20, 2025
The Global Times, the mouthpiece of China’s Communist Party describes the project as a “grant,” a project that shows Chinese support for development in Pakistan.
First Commercial Flight Marks Airport’s Operational Launch
The first Pakistan International Airlines PK 503 is the first-ever commercial flight between Karachi and Gwadar. The scheduled flight took off from Karachi delayed by 45 minutes and landed at Gwadar airport after crossing a distance of about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Present on board this flight were officials of the country’s highest tiers and other travelers.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed the new airport a crucial step that will make Gwadar a regional trade and connectivity hub. The modern airport facility will improve access to Central and Eastern Asia, the Middle East, and Gulf countries, further consolidating Pakistan’s strategic role in the global trade route map.
Critical part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
Gwadar International Airport and the deep seaport in Gwadar a part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) worth approximately $230 billion or about 64 billion rupees. These airports and seaports are significant efforts towards infrastructural strengthening and development for an important node along the 21st-century Silk Route linking Asia, Europe, and Africa.
“This success takes us closer to realizing the vision of Chinese President Xi Jinping and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to transform Pakistan and the region through CPEC,” said PM Sharif. Moreover, this project aims to improve Pakistan’s position in world trade by attracting international business and investment to the region.
CPEC’s Transformative Impact on Balochistan
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif during the inauguration emphasized how CPEC was transforming Balochistan, especially socially, technically, and in energy. He noted that it is essential to incorporate this region into Pakistan and China’s overall economic model, which would help to stimulate local development and prosperity.
Key Facts about Gwadar `International Airport
The airport is 26 kilometers away from the city of Gwadar at Gurandani. It covers 430 acres, making it Pakistan’s largest airport by land area. It is designed to accommodate large aircraft, including Airbus A380 and Boeing 747. Construction of the airport was completed in December 2024 at an estimated cost of Rs 50 billion. Former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made a symbolic inauguration at the airport on October 14, 2024, although it is working fully for domestic as well as international flights.
Gwadar International Airport will enhance regional connectivity, making trade easier for Pakistan and strengthening economic ties with China and the global community.
