Gwadar Airport Opens New Avenues for Trade, Tourism, and Investment
— March 17, 2025
BEIJING (AIA) The China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) on Monday expressed confidence that New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA) will enhance regional connectivity and strengthen China-Pakistan economic ties.
CIDCA spokesperson Li Ming highlighted that with Gwadar’s economic and social development and the continued expansion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the airport will serve as a key aviation hub linking Gwadar with regional and international destinations.
“We have full confidence in the prospects of Gwadar New International Airport,” Li said at a press briefing at the CIDCA office in Beijing. He described NGIA as a symbol of deepening cooperation under CPEC and a crucial facility for transforming Gwadar Port into a regional connectivity hub.
Li noted that China’s support for the airport’s construction was based on Pakistan’s request and backed by scientific feasibility studies to promote local and regional economic growth. “We have dedicated monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure that every dollar of aid is spent wisely,” he added.
The spokesperson confirmed that the airport has been handed over to Pakistan and is now fully operational. However, he emphasised that developing routes and increasing passenger flow take time and require strategic planning. Pakistan’s aviation authorities are currently working on operational plans, expanding the road network around the airport, and coordinating with regional countries to establish new air routes.
Aviation and Economic Impact
The New Gwadar International Airport, which officially opened in January 2024, is now managing both domestic and international flights, despite misinformation campaigns attempting to undermine its success.
The airport provides direct access to major international destinations, including the UAE, Europe, the Far East, Central Asia, and Africa. These connections are expected