Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the New Gwadar International Airport as a landmark project for regional development. He emphasized its potential to bring prosperity and create job opportunities in the area.
In a high-level meeting on Monday, the Prime Minister expressed profound gratitude to China for building the advanced airport. He called it a symbol of the enduring Pakistan-China friendship. He urged officials to make the airport a bustling transit hub and ensure smooth road connections, especially within Balochistan.
The Prime Minister directed authorities to improve the road network linking the Gwadar Airport to other parts of Pakistan. He also ordered robust security measures for the facility.
The meeting revealed that flights between Gwadar and Muscat would begin on January 10, 2025. Talks are ongoing to start domestic and international flight operations with airlines from Pakistan, China, Oman, and the UAE. The frequency of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights between Karachi and Gwadar will also increase to three flights weekly.
Officials informed the Prime Minister that the Gwadar Airport is the largest in Pakistan by area. It can accommodate A-380 aircraft and is expected to handle 400,000 passengers annually. The Pakistan Airport Authority has issued an Aerodrome Certificate for the airport. Pakistan Customs has also approved the facility.
Staff from key departments like the Airport Security Force, Pakistan Customs, Anti-Narcotics Force, FIA, and Border Health Service have been deployed. The meeting further highlighted that land has been allocated for warehouses, cold storage, courier services, cargo facilities, hotels, shopping malls, and technical ground support.
Banks registered with the State Bank of Pakistan are working to establish branches and ATMs at the airport. Officials informed the meeting that the first part of the East-Bay Expressway, improving road links with the airport, is complete. Feasibility studies for the second phase are in progress.
The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Defence and Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Privatization Minister Abdul Aleem Khan joined via video link.
