NGIA expands flight operations with two new flights added to enhance connectivity with Karachi and Muscat.
Following a month of commercial operations at New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA), flight activities have gained momentum, with two additional flights incorporated into the weekly schedule. Previously, Gwadar had only three weekly flights, but from January 20 to February 20, 2025, the number has increased to five per week.
The current flight schedule includes PK-503 and PK-504 operating on Mondays, connecting Karachi to Gwadar and back, along with PK-197 and PK-198 serving the Muscat-Gwadar route. On Wednesdays, PK-503 and PK-504 continue between Karachi and Gwadar, while Fridays feature the same Karachi-Gwadar flights alongside PK-197 and PK-198 linking Gwadar and Muscat.
A Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) official described this as a significant period of growth for NGIA, noting that the rise in flight operations has also led to an increase in passenger traffic. Further expansion is expected, as multiple private airlines, including Fly Jinnah, Air Sial, Air Blue, and Serene Air, have submitted applications to launch operations at NGIA.
An Air Sial representative highlighted the various benefits of NGIA, such as exemptions from landing, parking, and housing charges, making it an attractive destination for airlines seeking profitable opportunities.
Spanning 4,300 acres, NGIA is Pakistan’s second-largest airport, capable of handling aircraft such as the ATR 72, Boeing B-737, Airbus A-380, and Boeing B-747 for both domestic and international flights. The airport officially commenced commercial operations on January 20, when the first commercial flight successfully landed.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK-503 departed Karachi at 9:50 AM and landed at NGIA at 11:15 AM with 46 passengers on board. This milestone marked a crucial step toward establishing Gwadar as a key hub for regional and international trade and connectivity.
Related Posts
