GWADAR: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has announced that no landing or parking fees will be charged for airplanes during the initial operations of the New Gwadar International Airport, set to begin next month, as reported by ARY News on Monday.
The construction of the New Gwadar International Airport, a flagship project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has cost approximately Rs55 billion. Built to the highest standards of safety and performance, the airport is fully staffed to ensure smooth operations.
Designed as a hub for international trade, the airport will connect Gwadar with the Middle East, Central Asia, China, and other global regions, facilitating access to major international markets. The state-of-the-art runway meets global standards and is capable of accommodating large aircraft, including the Airbus A380.
The PAA reiterated that initially, aircraft would not incur any landing or parking charges at the airport.
Prime Minister’s Directives
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, in a recent meeting, emphasized making the New Gwadar International Airport a vibrant transit hub. He instructed authorities to improve road connectivity between the airport and other parts of the country, especially within the province, and ensure robust security measures.
Key Developments
- Flights from Gwadar to Muscat are scheduled to commence on January 10, 2025.
- Discussions are underway with airlines from Pakistan, China, Oman, and the UAE to initiate domestic and international flights from Gwadar.
- The frequency of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights between Karachi and Gwadar is set to increase to three times per week.
Infrastructure and Facilities
Spanning the largest area of any airport in Pakistan, the Gwadar airport will handle 400,000 passengers annually and accommodate A380 aircraft. Land has been allocated for the development of cold storage, warehouses, courier services, cargo facilities, fuel farms, technical ground support, hotels, and shopping malls.
The first phase of the East-Bay Expressway, which enhances road connectivity to the airport, has been completed, while the feasibility study for the second phase is in progress.
The New Gwadar International Airport marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s infrastructure development, positioning Gwadar as a critical node in regional and international trade.
