GWADAR: The Gwadar International Airport became operational today (Monday), with the first flight from Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) landing on the runway to inaugurate the newly built facility.
The PIA aircraft PK-503, from Karachi, arrived at 11:14 a.m. and began operations at New Gwadar International Airport.
When the first flight landed, the water browsers saluted it with water.
According to the PIA flight schedule, the flight departed Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport at 10:00 a.m., rather than the scheduled departure time (STD) of 9:15 a.m.
The initial flight included not only passengers but also high-ranking officials from the aviation division.
Minister for Defence and Aviation Khawaja Asif, Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, Balochistan Governor Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, and other top officials welcomed the passengers at the new airport, where a brief ceremony was performed.
The New Gwadar International Airport, which spans 4,300 acres, is Pakistan’s largest. The airport was launched by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang during the latter’s October visit to Pakistan.