The new Gwadar International Airport is officially operational from today, January 20. The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has dismissed rumors about the airport that have been going viral on social media.
According to Geo News reporter Afzal Nadeem Dogar, a PAA spokesperson clarified in a statement that the airport would become functional as per the schedule today, and the news about its cancellation due to rains is false. People are urged to ignore rumors and rely on official sources for information.
Meanwhile, a delay has been reported in the departure of the first flight from Karachi to the new Gwadar International Airport, an important project under the CPEC corridor.
According to the flight schedule, Pakistan International Airlines’ PK 503 from Karachi is the first flight to land at the new airport. Aviation sources reported that the flight would be delayed by 45 minutes, departing at 10:00 AM instead of the scheduled 9:14 AM. Upon landing, the flight will receive a water salute.
Sources at the airport revealed that key dignitaries, including the Governor, Chief Minister of Balochistan, Federal Minister Khawaja Asif, and important figures from Pakistan and China, will be present to welcome passengers. A colorful ceremony will also be held.
Gwadar International Airport, covering an area of 430 acres, is Pakistan’s largest airport. It is located 26 kilometers from the city of Gwadar, in the Gundani area.
The airport, built at a cost of around 50 billion rupees, features a single runway 3,658 meters long and 75 meters wide, capable of accommodating large aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747.
The symbolic inauguration of Gwadar Airport took place on October 14, 2024, by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, but regular flights will begin today.
