The New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA), located in Gwadar, Baluchistan, Pakistan, is an important infrastructure project aimed at boosting connectivity and economic development in the region.

Here are some key facts:

  • Location: The airport is situated 26 km northeast of Gwadar city, which is a strategic port city on the Arabian Sea.
  • Cost: The project is estimated to cost around USD 246 million and is being funded through a grant from China under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative.
  • Size and Capacity:
  1. Total Area: The airport covers approximately 4,300 acres.
  2. Runway: It features a 12,000-foot-long runway, which will allow it to accommodate large aircraft like the Airbus A380.
  3. Passenger Capacity: Initially, the airport will handle about 30,000 passengers per year, but this capacity is expected to expand with future developments.
  • Airport Classification: It is a Class II airport, which means it will handle domestic and international flights.
  • Construction Timeline: The construction of NGIA started in 2019 and is expected to be completed in phases by 2024.
  • Strategic Importance: NGIA is crucial for the success of the Gwadar Port and Special Economic Zone (SEZ), as it will serve as a key gateway for the movement of goods and people, facilitating t
  • rade and tourism.
  • Employment: The airport is expected to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for the local population and boost regional development.
  • Environmental and Social Considerations: Efforts have been made to ensure that the airport development adheres to environmental and social impact regulations.

 

lesser-known facts about the New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA):

  1. Sustainability Focus: NGIA is one of the first greenfield airports in Pakistan, which means it was built from scratch on previously undeveloped land. It emphasizes eco-friendly designs and aims to reduce its environmental impact, setting a new precedent for sustainable aviation infrastructure in the region
  2. Chinese Training Program for Pakistani Staff: As part of the partnership between Pakistan and China, airport operations staff, including technical, administrative, and managerial personnel, are being trained in China under a special program. This will enable Pakistani professionals to independently manage and operate the airport, marking it as a unique human resource development initiative​
  3. Strategic Gateway for Central Asia and the Middle East: While NGIA will primarily serve Pakistan, its strategic location positions it as a potential hub for connecting the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia. This is expected to not only boost local tourism but also facilitate trade through the Gwadar Port, making it a key player in international logistics​
  4. Airport Design Inspired by Regional Architecture: The design of the airport incorporates elements inspired by Baluchistan’s traditional architecture. The terminal and other structures reflect local cultural aesthetics, blending modern functionality with regional identity​
  5. Planned Economic Zone Nearby: A Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is planned around NGIA to enhance Gwadar’s economic profile. The airport will support the SEZ by facilitating the movement of goods and personnel, positioning it as a key logistics hub under CPEC​

NGIA successfully completed flight tests in mid-2024 and was officially declared operational on August 14, 2024. It is equipped to handle a wide range of aircraft, including ATR 72, Airbus A-300, Boeing 737, and 747 for both domestic and international flights. The airport will significantly boost trade and tourism in the region, further linking Gwadar to the global economy, technical and administrative staff are receiving specialized training in China to operate the airport independently​.Although the airport is operational, some developmental work is expected to continue until 2025.

Importance of New Gwadar International Airport:

  • Strategic Gateway for Regional Connectivity: NGIA strengthens Gwadar’s position as a regional hub, linking Pakistan with Central Asia, the Middle East, and China. It facilitates faster air transport, enhancing Gwadar’s role in global trade and logistics.
  • Supports Trade and Logistics Under CPEC: The airport is integral to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), improving the efficiency of goods movement to and from Gwadar Port. It strengthens Gwadar’s status as a key trading point on the Belt and Road Initiative.
  • Boosts Local Economic Growth: By enhancing access to international markets, NGIA attracts foreign investment, promotes industrial development, and creates jobs, contributing to Gwadar’s overall economic development.
  • Enhances Tourism and Real Estate Development: NGIA is expected to increase tourism by improving connectivity, while also driving real estate projects, transforming Gwadar into a desirable location for tourists and investors.
  • Key Component in Infrastructure and Urban Development: The airport is part of Gwadar’s master development plan, supporting the modernization of infrastructure and the city’s transformation into a smart port city, crucial for regional growth.