New Gwadar airport set to be operational from January 20

Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority announced that the New Gwadar International Airport will officially begin operation on January 20. 

The airport, a key development for the region, is expected to receive both domestic and international flights soon after its launch.

However, the notification issued by the CAA stated that the airport will be operational from January 20, with the first flight being operated by the national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

According to the notification, both local and international airlines expressed their interest in launching flights at the airport. 

The newly-constructed airport is located in Balochistan, along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which will play a crucial role in enhancing travel and trade, as well as promoting increased tourism and business opportunities in the region. 

The new airport was designed to accommodate larger aircraft and international flights, featuring modern amenities and advanced security measures. Its goal is to serve as a gateway for international travellers to the area.

With the airport's opening, Gwadar is expected to experience further improvements in transportation and logistics, which are vital to Pakistan’s ambition to establish the city as a global trade and maritime hub.

Earlier, after a four-and-a-half-year hiatus, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) resumed its operations in Europe, with a flight departing for Paris. The inaugural flight, PK-749, took off from Islamabad International Airport (IIAP) on Friday at 12:10 PM, utilizing a Boeing 777 (AP-BGK) aircraft. The flight carried 330 passengers and 14 crew members.