Pakistan celebrated a major milestone in aviation on Monday with the historic landing of the first commercial flight at New Gwadar International Airport.
PIA flight PK-503 took off from Karachi at 9:50 am with 46 passengers on board and landed at the state-of-the-art Gwadar facility at 11:15 am, marking the official start of operations at the newly inaugurated airport.
Defense and Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif was present to welcome the flight and highlighted the airport’s potential to strengthen Pakistan’s economic growth, regional tourism and international connectivity.
“This new airport is not just an aviation hub; It is a symbol of Gwadar’s emerging role as a trade and development hotspot,” the minister said during the welcome ceremony.
A spokesperson for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) expressed pride over the historic flight and termed the opening of the airport as a vital step in enhancing Gwadar’s position as a gateway to regional and global trade.
The airport will enhance Pakistan’s connectivity, offering additional access to the United Arab Emirates, Europe, the Far East, Central Asia and Africa.
The New Gwadar International Airport is expected to open numerous economic and tourism opportunities for the region, serving as a crucial link between Pakistan and the rest of the world.
The first flight PK-503 received the water salute as soon as it touched down at Gwadar International Airport.
New Gwadar International Airport, covering 4,300 acres, is the largest airport in Pakistan.
