Flights have started at the new Gwadar International Airport located in Balochistan province of Pakistan. Pakistan is calling it a symbol of its deep friendship with China, while China has called it a mere “donation”. This airport was inaugurated by current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in October 2024, although its foundation stone was laid by former Prime Minister Imran Khan in March 2019.
welcome first flight
According to China’s government news agency Xinhua, the first flight landed at Gwadar International Airport on Monday. This flight of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) landed at the airport at 11:14 am. On this occasion, Defense and Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, and other senior officials of the Government of Pakistan welcomed the flight.
Symbol of friendship between Pakistan and China
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif called it a historical example of friendship between Pakistan and China. He said,
“Gwadar airport is a milestone not only for Balochistan but for the entire Pakistan. “It will give new heights to connectivity between the Middle East, Gulf countries, Central and East Asia.”
China’s point of view: “Airport prepared as donation”
The Global Times, considered the mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party, termed the Gwadar airport as a “grant” from China. The report said that China has constructed and funded this airport entirely in the form of a grant.
Airport Features
Gwadar International Airport is a state-of-the-art 4F grade airport. This is the most modern and largest capacity airport of Pakistan. Its main features are:
- Runway length: 3,658 meters
- Runway width: 75 meters
- It is capable of handling the world’s largest civil aircraft.
- Located in the coastal area, this airport is strategically important to improve the air connectivity of Pakistan.
Expecting better connectivity
The airport management has expressed hope that Gwadar Airport will provide Pakistan with better air connectivity with other countries. It will play an important role in connecting the coastal areas of Balochistan with global air routes.
