Pakistan’s new $42 billion Gwadar Airport, built for 1.6 million passengers, remains empty, raising concerns over security, operations, and its future viability.

Pakistan’s newly constructed Gwadar International Airport stands as a state-of-the-art aviation hub, yet remains eerily empty. Despite being completed in October 2024, the grand facility has not yet commenced operations, leaving many wondering when—if ever—it will welcome flights and passengers.

Located in the strategically significant coastal city of Gwadar, the airport was developed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $42 billion (Rs 3.6 lakh crore) investment project linking China’s Xinjiang province to the Arabian Sea. While the airport boasts modern infrastructure and a future capacity to handle 1.6 million passengers annually, it currently sits idle, raising serious concerns about its viability.

A Symbol of Progress or an Empty Dream?

The New Gwadar International Airport was envisioned as a key pillar of Pakistan’s regional connectivity and trade ambitions. Designed with world-class facilities, it is intended to boost economic growth, facilitate tourism, and support cargo transport. The airport, situated 45 kilometers from the Chinese-operated Gwadar Port, is expected to play a crucial role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). However, instead of bustling with activity, the facility remains lifeless.

For the local population, the grandiose project has failed to inspire enthusiasm. Unlike other infrastructure developments that often spark excitement, residents of Gwadar remain indifferent, if not skeptical, about the airport’s potential benefits. Given the ongoing challenges in the region, many fear that the airport may remain a symbol of unfulfilled promises.

Why Is the New Gwadar Airport Empty?

Despite its impressive infrastructure, multiple factors are preventing the airport from becoming operational.

1. Balochistan’s Security Crisis

Gwadar is part of Balochistan province, a region plagued by decades of insurgency and conflict. The Baloch separatist movement, which has persisted for over 50 years, continues to challenge Pakistan’s authority in the region.

The insurgents claim that the province’s rich natural resources are being exploited without benefiting the local population. Over the years, Chinese workers, Pakistani military personnel, and government projects have been targeted by armed groups. With such ongoing instability, airlines and businesses are reluctant to operate in Gwadar, rendering the airport practically unusable.

2. Lack of Reliable Power Supply

A major logistical hurdle for the airport is the lack of stable electricity. Gwadar does not have its own consistent power source and primarily depends on Iranian imports and solar energy. While China had proposed a 300-MW coal power plant to address this issue, it has yet to receive regulatory approval. Without sufficient electricity, the airport cannot function at full capacity, further delaying its launch.

3. Limited Local Demand

Another pressing issue is the low demand for air travel in Gwadar. The city, while an important maritime trade hub, has limited commercial activity and a small population. Unlike major cities such as Karachi or Lahore, Gwadar lacks the business and tourism infrastructure necessary to generate significant passenger traffic.

Most air travel in Pakistan is concentrated in regions with larger economic centers, whereas Gwadar remains isolated with minimal domestic and international flight demand.

4. Chinese Investments Overshadow Local Interests

The airport’s construction was part of the broader CPEC initiative, which is largely controlled by Chinese investments. However, this has led to local resentment, as Baloch communities feel sidelined in decision-making processes. Many believe that the economic benefits of CPEC projects, including the airport, are being directed toward China and the Pakistani elite rather than the local population.

This has fueled ongoing protests and resistance, creating further hurdles for launching the airport’s operations.

A Future of Uncertainty

Despite the current inactivity, officials remain optimistic about the airport’s long-term potential. If the security situation improves, energy concerns are addressed, and trade activity grows, the New Gwadar International Airport could eventually become a major aviation hub.

However, for now, it remains a billion-dollar ghost airport, standing as a symbol of Pakistan’s ambitious yet stalled infrastructure projects.

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