New Gwadar International Airport Faces Commercialization Challenges $230 Million Investment Largely Underutilized

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Iqbal criticized the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and Pakistan Airport Authority (PAA) for their delays in formulating a comprehensive plan for the airport's commercialization. Officials indicated that some approvals had been made for allotting space to government departments and establishing facilities for cargo and courier services, but the minister was dissatisfied with the pace of development.

Lack of Strategic Planning

The meeting highlighted that expressions of interest had been invited for various commercial facilities, including warehouses and hotels, but Iqbal pointed out that such arrangements should have been initiated two years prior to the airport's completion. He emphasized that the airport, designed to accommodate large aircraft like the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747, should have been operationalized within six months of its inauguration.

Iqbal stressed the importance of engaging international airlines and presenting the strategic benefits of using Gwadar Airport for shorter routes compared to other long-haul flights. He suggested that the best international firms should be enlisted to create marketing plans that include discounts and incentives to attract airlines.

Urgent Need for Action

The minister underscored the critical need to position Gwadar as a hub for international airlines, warning that failure to attract airlines within six months could jeopardize future success. He proposed offering attractive rates for long-haul flights from regions such as South Africa and Australia, emphasizing technical landings as a key strategy.

Constructed with modern facilities, the airport features a 3,648-meter runway and a 14,000-square-meter passenger terminal, with an annual capacity of 400,000 passengers, expandable to 1.6 million. However, the lack of operational progress has raised concerns.

Future Directions

Iqbal directed the PCAA to expedite efforts to attract airlines, develop air cargo facilities, and establish partnerships with global logistics companies like DHL and FedEx. He also called for the development of commercial amenities, such as restaurants and duty-free shops, to enhance airport utilization.

To inspire innovative projects, he cited Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport, which has a golf course between runways, suggesting that unused airport land could be leveraged for similar attractions to draw travelers and businesses.

In closing, Iqbal set a three-week deadline for PAA officials to present a comprehensive commercialization plan, complete with clear timelines and strategies for engaging stakeholders.