The newly built Gwadar International Airport is set to commence flights to Muscat from January 10, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office announced on Monday, following delays caused by security concerns.
The $200-million Chinese-funded facility, designed to handle both domestic and international flights, is among the largest airports in Pakistan. Capable of accommodating Airbus A380 aircraft, it is expected to serve 4 million passengers annually, according to the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA).
A security review in August, prompted by militant attacks in Balochistan, delayed the airport’s opening. In a meeting on Monday, the PM directed officials to establish the airport as a major transit hub and improve road connectivity to Balochistan.
“Flights from Gwadar to Muscat will start from January 10 next year,” the PM’s Office said in a statement. The government is also in discussions with private carriers from China, Oman, and the UAE to expand international routes.
The airport is part of China’s $65 billion investment in Pakistan under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key component of President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative. Nearby, a deep-water port, developed in partnership with Pakistan, Oman, and China, is nearing completion.
Gwadar Airport includes cold storage, cargo facilities, and banking services through the State Bank of Pakistan. Security agencies, including the Airports Security Force and the Federal Investigation Agency, have been deployed to bolster safety.
Militant groups in Balochistan, where Gwadar is located, have targeted Chinese investments and personnel in the past, viewing them as foreign exploitation of the resource-rich region. Recent attacks, including a suicide bombing in Karachi that killed two Chinese workers, have heightened tensions.
Beijing has reportedly urged Islamabad to allow Chinese security personnel on the ground, a move Pakistan has resisted. Sharif emphasised the importance of stringent security measures at the airport, stating it symbolises the strong partnership between the two countries.
“Gwadar International Airport reflects the enduring China-Pakistan friendship,” he said, thanking Beijing for building the modern facility.
The meeting included Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, and other senior officials. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Privatisation Minister Abdul Aleem Khan participated via video link.
