New Gwadar International Airport likely to be operational from January 1

The New Gwadar International Airport, a Rs 55 billion project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), will commence operations on January 1, 2025. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will operate inaugural flights from Karachi and Islamabad, using an ATR and an Airbus 320, respectively, both receiving a traditional water salute. Federal Defense and Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif is expected to inaugurate the first flight. Built to international standards, the airport can accommodate large aircraft like the Airbus 380 and is now fully equipped to handle domestic and international flights.