The New Gwadar International Airport
In March 2023 the testing phase, for The New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA) will begin. This airport is currently being built in Gwadar, Pakistan. It falls under the management and operation of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA).
The NGIA is a project involving Pakistan, Oman and China. It aims to facilitate both international flights. This initiative is a part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is valued at $56 billion and plays a role in Chinas One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative.
The construction progress of the airport has reached milestones. The terminals steel structure weighing 4600 tons has been completed, while work continues on installing the metal welded roof, interiors and electromechanical equipment.
Spanning across an area of 4,300 acres this greenfield airport is a project with an estimated value of $246 million. It is expected to be one of Pakistans airports and will have facilities to accommodate A380 aircraft – a feature that only exists in another airport in the country.
Moreover the NGIA will be well prepared to handle types of aircraft including ATR 72s Airbus A300s, Boeing 737s and Boeing 747s, for both international routes.
The construction of the airport will happen in stages. The passenger terminal building is projected to be completed by June 2023. At the time tasks related to air traffic control are expected to be finalized by March 2023.
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) is overseeing the development of NGIA, which is expected to operate under an open sky policy framework. Its importance is closely linked to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.
Elevating Gwadar’s growth trajectory, the airport’s establishment assumes the role of a conduit, fostering trade between Pakistan and China. Beyond its economic contributions to Gwadar, the NGIA’s impact extends to bolstering the region’s geopolitical standing, catalyzing its transformation into an economic hub teeming with investment prospects.
