With the successful landing of the first flight, Gwadar Airport opens for business.

Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) first commercial flight from Karachi touched down at Gwadar International Airport.

46 people were on board flight PK-503, which took off at 9:50 am and touched down at the new Gwadar Airport at 11:14 am.

There was an inaugural flight on Monday to mark the opening of Gwadar International Airport.

The airport was formally opened by Federal Minister for Aviation Khawaja Asif, who also brought back Pakistan International Airlines’ first commercial flight from Karachi Airport.

Large planes like the Airbus A380 can land at Gwadar Airport, Pakistan’s second greenfield airport, according to reports.

The following NOTIM was previously issued: “The current Gwadar International Airport (OPGD) will be closed for all scheduled and non-scheduled air traffic as of January 20, 2025, following the operationalization of the new Gwadar International Airport (OPGW), and all other facilities have been withdrawn.”

The aircraft

ATR is an acronym for Avions de Transport Régional, an aircraft manufacturing joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo. Air Transport Rack is another name for ATR, which is a common form factor for electronic equipment used in airplanes.