Situated in Balochistan, a province long plagued by insurgency and calls for independence, Gwadar airport aims to bolster connectivity in a strategically important yet volatile area

Pakistani authorities say the country's largest airport, which was built and funded by Beijing, has become operational in the restive southwest province of Balochistan.

Pakistan's largest airport in Gwadar, funded by China, has started operations, with the first flight arriving from Karachi. The airport is a key component of the CPEC project, aiming to boost trade and regional connectivity.

The Gwadar International Airport and the Gwadar deep sea port built in the province under the USD 42 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project (CPEC) are seen as important for boosting trade an

QUETTA, Pakistan (AP) -- Pakistan's largest airport, funded and built in the country's restive southwest by Beijing, has become operational, officials said Monday. Gwadar airport is in the province of Balochistan, which has for decades been the scene of an insurgency by separatists demanding autonomy or outright independence.

Pakistan's new Gwadar airport has started commercial operations with the arrival of a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight on Monday. The New Gwadar International Airport, part of the US$65-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and located 25 kilometres from Gwadar seaport on the Arabian Sea,

This photo taken on Sept 13, 2024 shows a terminal at the New Gwadar International Airport in Gwadar, Pakistan. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal) The New Gwadar International Airport, funded a

Pakistan and China were recently at loggerheads over the control and ownership of Gwadar Port with Islamabad stating that the port, which was built with substantial Chinese investment, belongs solely to Pakistan and won't be handed over to any "foreign entity".

The first-ever flight PK-503 will receive water salute as soon as it touches the ground of the Gwadar International Airport. Minister for Defence and Aviation Khawaja Asif is likely to receive the passengers of the first flight.

Shehbaz Sharif said China is Pakistan's exemplary brother who has always played a key role in the country's development. He also commended Minister of Defence and Aviation Khawaja Asif, the Government of Balochistan, security officers, personnel, and military leadership for their tireless efforts in the construction of the airport.

The airport, equipped with modern facilities, is expected to play a critical role in boosting regional connectivity and strengthening Pakistan's position in global trade and infrastructure development.