Pakistan has taken another huge step toward strengthening the operational readiness and international credibility of Gwadar as a strategic aviation and trade hub by successfully conducting its first full-scale Airport Emergency Exercise 2026 at the New Gwadar International Airport (NGIAP), Gwadar Pro reported on Thursday.

The drill, carried out by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) in line with international aviation safety standards, underscores the growing importance of Gwadar within the framework of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). According to PAA officials, the large-scale exercise simulated a complex aircraft accident involving fire and multiple casualties, designed to test emergency preparedness under challenging conditions.

Fire-fighting units, rescue teams, medical personnel, and security agencies responded swiftly, demonstrating a high level of coordination and operational efficiency even under low-light and limited-visibility scenarios. The exercise follows earlier safety milestones at NGIAP, including Pakistan’s first-ever nighttime fire emergency drill at the airport in 2025.

Together, these initiatives signal a deliberate effort to ensure that Gwadar’s aviation infrastructure meets global safety benchmarks as the port city emerges as a key logistical and economic gateway under CPEC. A fully functional triage area was established during the drill, where medical teams carried out realistic casualty assessments and administered immediate first aid based on injury severity.

The seamless interaction among the Airport Security Force (ASF), fire and rescue units, medical staff, and supporting agencies highlighted the effectiveness of inter-agency coordination and the robustness of the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP). Supervised by the Chief Fire and Rescue Officer (CFRO), the exercise also served as a real-time evaluation of command-and-control mechanisms at the field level.

Aviation experts note that such drills are critical not only for passenger safety but also for building international confidence in Gwadar as a future hub for commercial flights, cargo operations, and CPEC-linked connectivity projects. With Chinese-backed infrastructure development accelerating in Gwadar, enhanced airport safety and emergency preparedness are increasingly seen as essential components of Pakistan’s broader strategy to position the port city as a cornerstone of regional trade and investment, Gwadar Pro added.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China