Pakistan celebrated an aviation milestone on Monday with the historic landing of the first commercial flight at the 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 facility in Gwadar at 11:15 am, marking the official start of operations at the newly inaugurated airport.
Minister of Defense and Aviation Khawaja Muhammad Asif was on hand to welcome the flight, highlighting the airport’s potential to enhance Pakistan’s economic growth, regional tourism and international connectivity.
“This new airport is not only an aviation hub; it is a symbol of Gwadar’s emerging role as a critical point for trade and development,” the minister said at the welcome ceremony.
A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) spokesperson expressed pride over the historic flight, calling the opening of the airport a vital step towards strengthening Gwadar’s position as a gateway for trade regional and global.
The airport will improve Pakistan’s connectivity, providing additional access to the UAE, Europe, the Far East, Central Asia and Africa.
The new Gwadar International Airport is expected to open up numerous economic and tourism opportunities for the region, serving as a crucial link between Pakistan and the rest of the world.
The first ever flight PK-503 received a water salute as soon as it touched the ground at Gwadar International Airport.
The new Gwadar International Airport, spread over 4,300 acres, is Pakistan’s largest airport.