Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) successfully operated its first commercial flight to the newly opened Gwadar International Airport, marking a significant milestone in the country’s aviation history.
The flight, PK-503, departed Karachi at 9:50 AM, carrying 46 passengers, and touched down at the state-of-the-art airport at 11:14 AM.
This inaugural commercial operation coincided with the formal opening of Gwadar International Airport.
The ceremony was led by Federal Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif, who officially inaugurated the airport and welcomed the arrival of the PIA flight from Karachi.
According to aviation officials, Gwadar International Airport is Pakistan’s second greenfield facility and is equipped to handle large aircraft, including the Airbus A380.
The airport’s advanced infrastructure highlights its capacity to support both domestic and international air traffic.
Ahead of its operational launch, a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued, stating that the existing Gwadar Airport would cease all air traffic operations starting January 20, 2025, with services and facilities fully shifted to the new airport.
The aircraft used for the inaugural flight was an ATR, a model developed by a joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo, known for its efficiency in regional air travel.
The term ATR also refers to Air Transport Rack, commonly used in aviation electronics, though in this context, it pertains to the aircraft.
