GWADAR – The New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA) is on track to become the largest airport in Pakistan following the successful completion of its testing and commissioning phase. This phase, which lasted three months and commenced on April 15, meticulously ensured that the airport met all design specifications, operated efficiently, and minimized future operational risks while adhering to stringent maintenance standards and legislative regulations.
The extensive testing and commissioning process involved a thorough evaluation of the airport’s entire infrastructure. This included key components such as the runway, taxiway, apron, electrical systems, telecommunications networks, security features, water supply system, and grid station. According to Gwadar Pro, the goal of these procedures was to ensure that each operational component of the airport, from individual functions to complex systems, is inspected, checked, and tested to guarantee optimal performance in terms of capacity, usage, and regulatory compliance.
An official from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Pakistan explained the rigorous process to Gwadar Pro: “Testing and commissioning encompass a series of engineering techniques and procedures designed to check, inspect, and test every operational component of a project. This ensures that all elements, including construction, processing, and installation, function according to their designated capacity, usage, and requirements.”
In July of the previous year, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif inaugurated the airbase infrastructure of the NGIA, which is funded by China. This infrastructure includes 32 key components such as civil, technical, electrical, and communication facilities, as well as modern allied services.
Looking ahead, the next significant development for the NGIA will be the construction of a cargo complex designed to handle a variety of cargo types. Upon its completion, NGIA will not only be the largest airport in Pakistan but also the nation’s second airport to operate under an open-sky policy. This will enable the airport to accommodate both narrow-body aircraft, like the ATR 72 and Boeing B-737, and wide-body aircraft, such as the Airbus A-380 and Boeing B-747, facilitating both domestic and international flights.
The NGIA project, with a budget of Rs. 60.208 billion, is a flagship initiative of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Spanning over 4,300 acres, the airport is strategically located 26 kilometers northeast of the existing Gwadar City airport on the southwestern Arabian Sea coast in the Balochistan region. The airport is encircled by a security fence, ensuring its safety and security.
The successful completion of the testing and commissioning phase marks a significant milestone in the development of the NGIA, positioning it as a key player in Pakistan’s aviation sector and a critical component of the CPEC initiative.
