Earlier this week on Monday, the airport welcomed its first-ever flight, commencing its operations.
Inaugural international flight takes off from Gwadar airport. The New Gwadar International Airport has started its international operations with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) becoming the first airline to operate its international flight.
The PIA flight PK-197 carrying 39 passengers took off for Muscat, starting the China-funded newly built airport’s international operations just days after it received a domestic flight.
In a statement, the national flag carrier said, “First international flight departs from New Gwadar International Airport to Muscat,” adding that it would initially run one weekly flight to Muscat on Friday.
“PIA is committed to activating air operations across the country in line with national aspirations and public needs.”
Earlier this week on Monday, the airport welcomed its first-ever flight, commencing its operations.
The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK-503, from Karachi, landed at the airport at 11:14 am. The first-ever flight received a water salute from the water browsers upon landing.
Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif celebrated the operationalisation of the Gwadar airport, describing it as a significant step toward linking Gwadar with Central Asia, East Asia, the Middle East, and Gulf countries.
Last month, the federal government announced that the Gwadar airport would be able to handle A-380 aircraft and accommodate four million passengers annually.
The airport will eventually feature facilities like cold storage, cargo sheds, hotels, and shopping malls, with banking services arranged through the State Bank of Pakistan, the PM’s office said in a statement.
