Pakistan’s largest airport, constructed with Chinese funding in the volatile southwest province of Balochistan, has officially commenced operations, officials confirmed on Monday. The newly inaugurated Gwadar International Airport is expected to enhance connectivity in the region, which has long been affected by insurgency and calls for independence.
The airport’s opening ceremony saw the presence of Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif and Chinese officials, who welcomed the arrival of the first Pakistan International Airlines flight from Karachi. This event followed an earlier virtual inauguration by Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Economic Prospects and Strategic Importance
Defence Minister Asif expressed gratitude to China for financing and constructing the airport, emphasising its pivotal role in boosting Pakistan’s economy, attracting foreign investments, and bringing economic prosperity to Balochistan.
Designed to accommodate up to 400,000 passengers annually, the airport is expected to facilitate increased passenger and cargo movement, strengthening regional connectivity.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative
Built at an estimated cost of $230 million, Gwadar airport is a crucial component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The project aims to improve trade routes and provide China with direct access to Arabian Sea shipping lanes through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Construction of the airport commenced in 2019 but faced delays due to security challenges, including targeted attacks on Chinese nationals involved in various development projects across the region.
Challenges and Local Opposition
Despite its economic potential, the project has faced resistance from ethnic Baloch groups, who argue that the development initiatives primarily benefit foreign interests while neglecting local communities. Concerns about economic exploitation and equitable development remain prevalent.
Infrastructure and Capacity
According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Planning and Development, Gwadar airport is equipped to handle a range of aircraft, including ATR 72, Airbus A-300, Boeing B-737, and Boeing B-747, for both domestic and international flights.
Spread over 4,300 acres, Gwadar airport is the largest in Pakistan in terms of land area, as confirmed by the Civil Aviation Authority.
As operations commence, stakeholders anticipate that the airport will serve as a gateway to economic growth and regional integration, albeit amid persistent security concerns and local skepticism.
