First international flight departs from Gwadar Airport for Muscat

The newly established Gwadar International Airport on Friday commenced its international service with an inaugural flight of Pakistani International Airlines (PIA) carrying at least 39 passengers to Muscat.

The aviation facility in Gwadar became operational after a months-long delay.

Authorities initially sought a comprehensive security review following deadly attacks by separatist militants in Balochistan last August

Subsequently, the airport's opening was delayed until January 10th, but it was finally inaugurated earlier this week.

The airport was established with of collaboration of $246 million from friendly China and will handle both domestic and international flights. 

“First international flight departed from New Gwadar International Airport to Muscat,” said an official from the national flag carrier, adding that it would initially operate one weekly flight to Oman's capital.

According to a statement issued by PIA, the international inaugural flight from Gwadar Airport indicated the airline's commitment to activating "air operations across the country in line with national aspirations and public needs."

Also check: Gwadar Airport begins flight operations with successful landing of first aircraft 

Earlier at the beginning of this week, Miniter Defence & Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif inaugurated the airport by receiving the first commercial flight departing from Jinnah International Airport Karachi. 

It is pertinent to mention here that Gwadar Airport was constructed at over 430 acres of area, 26 kilometres away from Gurandani.

New Gwadar International Airport has just one runway, with a 3,658-meter length and 75-meter width. It is capable of receiving the big aircraft. 

Earlier, on October 14, 2024, the New Gwadar Airport was symbolically inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif; however, it was operationalized on Monday.