Gwadar (Web Desk): Pakistan marked a groundbreaking achievement in aviation as the first commercial aircraft successfully landed at the New Gwadar International Airport on Monday.
A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight, PK-503, took off from Karachi at 9:50am, carrying 46 passengers, and landed at the Gawadar airport at 11:15am, ushering in a new era for the region.
Present to witness this historic occasion was Defence and Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, who praised the airport as a symbol of Gwadar’s rising prominence on the global stage. He emphasized that the airport would serve as a critical hub not only for aviation but also for fostering economic growth, enhancing tourism, and improving international connections.
A spokesperson of PIA expressed immense pride in the event, noting that the new airport would play a pivotal role in strengthening Gwadar’s status as a major point for trade and transport.
The airport is set to open new routes for travel, linking Pakistan with various regions, including the UAE, Europe, Central Asia, the Far East, and Africa, and thus contributing significantly to the country’s connectivity.
To mark the occasion, the first flight received a traditional water salute, signifying the importance of this milestone.
Covering a vast expanse of 4,300 acres, the New Gwadar International Airport is now the largest in Pakistan and is expected to unlock a wealth of economic opportunities for the area, from boosting tourism to facilitating international commerce.