The New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA) is now officially open for public and commercial flights. The first commercial flight, PIA flight PK-503, successfully landed on January 20, marking the start of operations. The flight took off from Karachi at 9:50 am and arrived in Gwadar at 11:15 am with 46 passengers on board.
This new airport is expected to boost trade, tourism, and economic growth by improving connectivity between Pakistan and international markets. The successful landing of PK-503 is a major step toward making Gwadar a key hub for regional and global business.
Before becoming operational, NGIA underwent several tests. A test flight of the Air King B700 Aircraft landed successfully on June 4, 2024. Later, on September 20, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) transferred the Multilayered Security Management System (MSMS) to the Airport Security Force (ASF) to ensure safety and smooth operations.
NGIA is a large-scale facility covering 4,300 acres, equipped with modern infrastructure. It includes a state-of-the-art runway, aprons, terminals, and advanced technical and communication systems. These features make it one of Pakistan’s most advanced airports, designed to support increasing air traffic and business activities.
With NGIA now operational, Gwadar is set to play a crucial role in enhancing Pakistan’s aviation sector and strengthening its position as a global trade and investment destination.