The construction of Gwadar International Airport marks a pivotal moment in the development of Gwadar, a port city in southwestern Pakistan. Led by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), this ambitious project is part of the larger China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). During a briefing to the Pakistan Media Delegation, CSCEC Vice President Li Liangyuan highlighted that the Gwadar International Airport project was also completed by CSCEC. The airport’s development not only enhances local connectivity but is also a key element in transforming Gwadar into a strategic hub for global trade.
A significant milestone was reached on October 14, 2024, when the soft launch was virtually inaugurated during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Islamabad.
The Importance of Gwadar
Gwadar’s location at the intersection of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East provides it with immense strategic importance. It is an essential part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which seeks to enhance global trade through better connectivity. For Pakistan, Gwadar offers a gateway to economic development, trade expansion, and greater integration into global logistics networks. The city is poised to become a major commercial hub, attracting international investment and strengthening Pakistan’s role in regional commerce.
A key element of this transformation is the development of Gwadar International Airport, which will not only serve the logistics needs of the nearby port but also boost regional tourism, business travel, and international cargo traffic.
The Role of China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC)
The involvement of CSCEC in constructing Gwadar International Airport underscores the depth of Pakistan-China relations, particularly under CPEC. CSCEC, one of the world’s largest construction firms, has extensive expertise in managing large-scale infrastructure projects worldwide. The company’s role is to ensure that the airport is completed on time, meets international standards, and integrates advanced engineering solutions.
The airport project, valued at $246 million and funded entirely by China, is a gift from the Chinese government to Pakistan. Covering an area of 4,300 acres, it will be the largest airport in Pakistan by land size. The airport is designed to accommodate wide-body aircraft, including the Airbus A380, and is expected to serve more than one million passengers annually. Its construction is critical to Gwadar’s overall transformation into a strategic commercial and industrial hub.
The Soft Launch at the SCO Meeting
On October 14, 2024, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Islamabad, the airport’s soft launch was officially celebrated. Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who arrived in Pakistan to attend the SCO meeting, was welcomed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The two leaders not only signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors but also virtually inaugurated Gwadar International Airport.
“The completion of Gwadar Airport is an important milestone,” Premier Li stated during the signing ceremony. He praised the collaborative efforts between China and Pakistan in executing this crucial project and emphasized the significance of the airport as a symbol of Pakistan-China friendship. This event marked a crucial step forward in the project’s timeline, signaling that the airport is nearing full operational status.
Key Features of Gwadar International Airport
Once completed, Gwadar International Airport will stand as one of Pakistan’s most modern airports, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support both passenger and cargo operations. Some of the key features of the airport include:
1. Runway and Terminal Facilities: With a 12,000-foot-long runway, the airport is designed to handle the largest commercial aircraft. The main terminal will have the capacity to handle up to 30,000 flights per year and serve over a million passengers annually. It is expected to become a vital link for regional and international trade.
2. Cargo and Logistics Hub: As a key gateway to the Arabian Sea and with its proximity to Gwadar Port, the airport will be integral to regional logistics. It will facilitate the movement of goods between China, Pakistan, and global markets, making Gwadar a major logistics hub in the region.
3. Environmental Sustainability: The construction of the airport adheres to strict environmental standards. This includes energy-efficient building materials, waste management systems, and initiatives to minimize the impact on the local ecosystem. CSCEC has integrated green spaces and landscaping into the design to ensure that the airport complements its natural surroundings.
4. Technological Innovation: Gwadar International Airport will be equipped with cutting-edge technology, including advanced air traffic control systems, automated baggage handling, and robust security measures. These innovations will ensure smooth operations and high safety standards for passengers and cargo alike.
5. Economic Impact and Job Creation: The construction of the airport has already created hundreds of jobs for local residents, offering opportunities for both skilled and unskilled labor. In the long run, the airport is expected to attract investment, boost tourism, and serve as a catalyst for Gwadar’s economic growth.
Challenges and Progress
Like most large-scale infrastructure projects, the construction of Gwadar Airport has encountered several challenges. These include logistical delays, issues related to land acquisition, and the need for coordination between various government agencies. Security concerns in Balochistan, where Gwadar is located, have also impacted the pace of development.
Despite these challenges, CSCEC and its Pakistani partners have continued to push forward. The soft launch in October 2024 signals that many of these issues have been successfully navigated, and the project is well on its way to completion. The airport is expected to be fully operational by 2025, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s efforts to enhance connectivity and trade in the region.
Gwadar Airport’s Role in CPEC and Regional Connectivity
Gwadar International Airport is a cornerstone of CPEC and plays a vital role in the broader Belt and Road Initiative. By linking Gwadar to other parts of Pakistan and the world, the airport will enable the efficient movement of goods and people. It will enhance Pakistan’s position as a key transit hub for trade between China, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
For China, the development of Gwadar Airport is integral to its vision of connecting western China to global markets. The airport will facilitate the movement of Chinese goods through Pakistan, bypassing traditional maritime chokepoints. In return, Pakistan will benefit from enhanced trade, job creation, and economic development, helping to reduce its dependency on traditional sources of income.
The construction of Gwadar International Airport by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation is a defining moment for both Pakistan and China. As part of the CPEC initiative, the airport will be a key driver of economic growth, regional connectivity, and global trade. The soft launch during the SCO summit in Islamabad is a major step forward in realizing this vision.
Once operational, the airport will provide critical support to Gwadar Port, enabling the seamless movement of goods and people across borders. It will attract foreign investment, boost tourism, and serve as a testament to the strength of Pakistan-China relations. Gwadar International Airport is not just an infrastructure project; it is a symbol of the future, where enhanced connectivity opens the doors to new economic opportunities and regional integration.
