New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA) is set to restore two commercial flights on August 4. Currently, NGIA has been operating only one Karachi–Gwadar flight per week over the past few months. Previously, two Karachi–Gwadar flights had been suspended. With their reactivation, three flights will now operate on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.

The restoration plan was initiated after Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) Chairman Noor ul Haq and Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Javed Anwar Ch pleaded the case during a meeting held in Islamabad on July 30, Gwadar Pro reported on Friday. Recently, the government earmarked Rs. 4 billion for NGIA under the PSDP 2025–26. The total cost of the project stands at Rs. 54.98 billion, with Rs. 42.71 billion already spent.

A Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) official described this as a significant stage of growth for NGIA, noting that the restoration of flight operations will boost passenger traffic. Additional commercial flights are also expected, as multiple private airlines, including Fly Jinnah, Air Sial, Airblue, and Serene Air, have submitted applications to launch services at NGIA, he added.

An Air Sial representative highlighted the various benefits of NGIA, such as exemptions from landing, parking, and housing charges, making it an attractive destination for airlines seeking profitable opportunities.

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