New Gwadar International Airport: How It Changes the CPEC Destiny?

The New Gwadar International Airport is one of several construction projects underway in Gwadar as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The airport will be built 25 kilometers northeast of Gwadar International Airport and will be sponsored by China, Pakistan, and Oman. The new airport will be Pakistan's largest and will operate under the open sky policy, to develop the Gwadar peninsula and foster trade, particularly between Pakistan and China.

NEW GWADAR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority is managing and operating the New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA), a new greenfield airport being built in Gwadar, Pakistan. The airport, which will be controlled by a joint venture between Pakistan, Oman, and China, would handle both domestic and international flights.

LOCATION

Gwadar is the hub of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. An international airport is required for the port city to function effectively. As a result, one of the major CPEC projects is the $246 million development of the New Gwadar International Airport. New Gwadar international airport lies at Gurandani, some 26 kilometers northeast of the port city of Gwadar.

CONTRACTORS OF NEW GWADAR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) works as a contractor to construct the New Gwadar international airport.

PROGRESS IN DEVELOPMENT

Fast-track developments are already ongoing, and the airport is already in its second phase of construction. The airport was built by the International Civil Aviation Organization's requirements (CIAO).

COMPLETION TIMELINE

The project's foundation stone was laid on March 29, 2019, with a target completion date of 2022. And it is expected that this airport starts its operation by the end of 2022.

WHAT NEW GWADAR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT HAS TO OFFER!

LARGE AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS

Large aircraft such as the ATR 72, Airbus (A-300), Boeing (B-737), and Boeing (B-777), (B-747). will be able to make operation in New Gwadar international airport. It will play an important role in connecting the fast-growing metropolis of Gwadar with the rest of the globe for trade once it is built.

ADVANCE RUNWAY'S STRUCTURE

The airport will originally have a single runway with a width of 75 meters and a length of 3,658 meters. The runway will be able to accept wide-bodied aircraft with ease. A taxiway with a length of 23 meters and paved shoulders of 10.5 meters on both sides will be supplied. However, there remains some space to the north of the main runway for the potential installation of a second runway.

ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES

In the given territory, the new Gwadar International Airport will encompass a total of 4,300 acres. For internal and international routes, it will have enough range to accommodate both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft.

MODERN TERMINALS 

The greenfield airport will be built on a 14,000m2 site with modern construction for the terminal building. The freight terminal will be built, with a capacity of 30,000 tons per year. On the other hand, Passengers will be able to use a variety of amenities at the terminal, which will assure their safety and convenience.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL AND OTHER CONVENIENCES

The building of Gwadar airport will have an air traffic control (ATC) tower. In addition, facilities for fire, crash, and rescue will be provided in the event of an emergency. Additionally, A fuel farm will be provided to help the airport run more smoothly. And other amenities that are added for the passenger’s convenience are includes,

• Walkways
• Parking on multiple levels
• Shuttle Services
• Internet via WIFI
• Check-in over the web
• Biometrics
• IP enables Security Cameras
• Affordable Restaurants
• Modern Seating Areas
• Security Screening

FINAL THOUGHTS

Gwadar has seen tremendous expansion in terms of real estate development during the previous ten years. Following the signing of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) deal under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Gwadar's real estate market exploded, resulting in rapid development in the port city. The frequency and form of investment activities have fluctuated over time, but CPEC-related projects have aided Gwadar in its quest to become the world's most sophisticated port city. Pakistan's second airport capable of handling aircraft when it opens in 2022, will be one of the country's largest. It is expected to promote trade between Pakistan and China while also stimulating development in the Gwadar region.