Two flights added in NGIA flight operation in week

One month into the commercial launch of the New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA), flight operations are showing clear signs of progress. Prior to NGIA’s opening, Gwadar typically saw just three flights a week. But from January 20 to February 20, 2025, five scheduled flights have been consistently operating each week—marking a notable uptick in activity.

The current flight schedule includes:

Monday: PK-503 and PK-504 (Karachi to Gwadar and return), along with PK-197 and PK-198 (Muscat to Gwadar and return)

Wednesday: PK-503 and PK-504 (Karachi-Gwadar-Karachi)

Friday: PK-503 and PK-504 (Karachi-Gwadar-Karachi), and PK-197 and PK-198 (Gwadar-Muscat-Gwadar)

Officials from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have called this an exciting phase for NGIA, pointing to a visible rise in passenger traffic. Speaking to Gwadar Pro, a CAA representative confirmed that several private carriers have submitted formal applications to launch services to Gwadar via NGIA. These include Fly Jinnah, Air Sial, Air Blue, and Serene Air—signaling more growth ahead.

A representative from Air Sial highlighted the airport’s appeal, noting that incentives such as zero landing, parking, and housing charges make operations at NGIA particularly attractive for carriers looking to expand routes cost-effectively.

Spanning over 4,300 acres, NGIA stands as Pakistan’s second-largest airport and is equipped to handle various aircraft, including ATR 72s, Boeing 737s, Boeing 747s, and even the Airbus A380. The airport officially began full-scale commercial operations on January 20, 2025, when PIA flight PK-503 successfully landed at 11:15 am after departing Karachi at 9:50 am with 46 passengers on board.

This inaugural landing marked more than just the start of a new route—it represented a milestone in Gwadar’s emergence as a strategic hub for trade, travel, and regional connectivity.