Pakistan achieved a landmark moment in its aviation history on Monday as the first commercial flight successfully landed at the New Gwadar International Airport. PIA flight PK-503, departing from Karachi at 9:50 AM, touched down at the state-of-the-art Gwadar facility at 11:15 AM, carrying 46 passengers, officially marking the commencement of operations at the newly inaugurated airport.
Defence and Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, the Chief Guest, was joined by Governor Balochistan Jafar Khan Mandokhel and Chief Minister Sarfaraz Ahmad Bugti to welcome the historic flight and its passengers. Addressing the gathering, Minister Khawaja Asif emphasized the strategic importance of the New Gwadar International Airport in driving economic growth, fostering regional tourism, and strengthening international connectivity.
Other notable attendees included Director General of the Airports Security Force (ASF) Maj Gen Adnan, Director General of Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Zeeshan Saeed, General Officer Commanding 44 Division Maj Gen Adnan Sarwar Malik, Rear Admiral Adnan from the Pakistan Navy, Deputy Director General of Airports Sadiq u Rehman, and District Commissioner of Gwadar Hamod u Rehman.
During the ceremony, Minister Khawaja Asif distributed certificates and shields to distinguished guests for their contributions to the airport’s success. Recipients included Chief Minister Bugti, Governor Mandokhel, Secretary of Aviation Mangi, CEO of PIA AVM Amir Hayat, DG ASF Maj Gen Adnan Sarwar Malik, Rear Admiral Adnan, and various project officials.
The Secretary of Aviation Mangi and DG PAA AVM Zeeshan Saeed presented a shield to Minister Khawaja Asif in recognition of his leadership in advancing Pakistan’s aviation sector.
The New Gwadar International Airport is poised to play a pivotal role in connecting Pakistan to global markets and facilitating trade, tourism, and economic development. The successful landing of PIA flight PK-503 is a significant step toward realizing Gwadar’s potential as a regional and global hub for commerce and connectivity.
