Pakistan marked a pivotal moment in its aviation history on Monday as the first commercial flight successfully landed at the state-of-the-art New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA). Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) flight PK-503 departed Karachi at 9:50 a.m. and touched down at Gwadar at 11:15 a.m., carrying 46 passengers. The event marked the formal commencement of operations at this modern aviation facility.
Defense and Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, accompanied by Balochistan Governor Jafar Khan Mandokhel and Chief Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti, welcomed the historic flight and its passengers. Speaking at the event, Khawaja Asif highlighted NGIA’s critical role in fostering economic growth, regional tourism, and global connectivity.
The occasion was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Airports Security Force (ASF) Director General Major General Adnan, Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) Director General Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, Major General Adnan Sarwar Malik of 44 Division, Rear Admiral Adnan of the Pakistan Navy, and Gwadar Deputy Commissioner Hamood Ur Rehman. During the ceremony, Minister Khawaja Asif awarded certificates and shields to those who contributed significantly to the success of NGIA.
Honorees included Chief Minister Bugti, Governor Mandokhel, Aviation Secretary Irfan Elahi Manghi, PIA CEO Air Vice Marshal Aamir Hayat, and other key officials involved in the project. The NGIA is poised to transform Gwadar into a regional and international trade hub, driving economic development, tourism, and connectivity. The successful landing of PK-503 symbolizes a significant step toward realizing Gwadar’s potential as a global gateway.
