Ayesha Saba

The new Gwadar International Airport – set to come into operation in September – will mark a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s aviation industry, heralding a new era of opportunities and growth, Mustafa Haider Syed, Executive Director at the Pakistan-China Institute, told WealthPK. With its modern infrastructure and strategic location, the airport is all set to unlock fresh horizons for the aviation sector, fostering economic development, trade, and tourism in the region and beyond, he said. “China, as a major player in the global aviation industry, has the potential to benefit from CPEC in various ways. The development of Gwadar Port could provide China with a more efficient and cost-effective route for transporting goods to and from the Middle East and Africa.

This could lead to an increased demand for air cargo services between China and Pakistan,” he said. “Land-based transportation currently dominates the movement of goods and people between China and Pakistan. However, these traditional conveyance systems are time-consuming and face security challenges, particularly in the Gwadar region,” he said. “Developing Gwadar International Airport as a major cargo and passenger hub will attract Chinese investment and facilitate the establishment of startup airlines. This, in turn, will promote tourism and research activities, positioning Gwadar as a long-term destination and facilitating scientific research in maritime and territorial environments,” he added.

Talking to WealthPK, Zafar ul Hasan, Joint Chief Economist (EP), Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, said, “Transforming Gwadar into an aviation-based port would give a significant boost to the civil aviation industry and enhance business and economic activities. The establishment of new economic industrial zones in the country can efficiently achieve the CPEC objectives, further strengthening economic ties and propelling regional growth and development.” Located 26 kilometres northeast of the port, the Gwadar International Airport is an outstanding example of China-Pakistan aviation cooperation. So far, most of the infrastructure has been fully completed. Under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2023-24, the government has set aside Rs5 billion for the airport, which will prove vital for the air traffic in and out of this strategic port city.

Credit: INP-WealthPk