PIA flight PK-503 departed from Karachi at 9:50 AM with 46 passengers on board and landed at New Gwadar International Airport at 11:15 AM local time, officially inaugurating operations at the state-of-the-art facility.
The plane received a ceremonial water cannon salute upon arrival. To commemorate the occasion, Defence and Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, and other dignitaries were present to warmly welcome the first commercial flight.
A PIA spokesperson described the event as a proud moment for Gwadar and all of Pakistan, highlighting its potential to drive economic growth, boost tourism, and enhance international connectivity. The inauguration of New Gwadar International Airport marks the beginning of a transformative era in air travel, offering new opportunities for both regional and global links.
Notably, the airport is a flagship project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), built in collaboration with China and the Civil Aviation Authority.
However, in February 2024, flight operations at the airport were temporarily suspended following 16 hours of continuous heavy rainfall. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) made the decision to halt operations, prioritizing passenger and aircraft safety.
