China Built a $240M Airport in Pakistan, But It Has No Flights or Passengers

Pakistan’s newest, Gwadar International Airport (NGIA), is complete. Built with a hefty investment of Rs 2079 crore ($240 million) and fully funded by China, the airport was envisioned as a game-changer for regional connectivity.

Yet, despite its modern infrastructure and ambitious goals, the airport remains empty—no commercial flights, no passengers, and no sign of operations beginning anytime soon.

A Mega Project Without Takeoff

Completed in October 2024 as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), NGIA spans 4,300 acres and can handle 400,000 passengers annually. Positioned as a crucial link for China’s access to the Arabian Sea, it was supposed to bolster Pakistan’s aviation sector.

However, months after its completion, the airport remains non-operational, raising serious concerns about its purpose and feasibility.

What’s Stalling Operations?

Despite its grand vision, security risks and infrastructure limitations have delayed commercial activity. The airport’s location near mountainous terrain has been flagged as a security threat, making it vulnerable to potential attacks. Even its inauguration was held virtually, with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and China’s Premier Li Qiang attending remotely.

Compounding the issue, Gwadar itself struggles with basic infrastructure—it lacks a connection to Pakistan’s national power grid, relies on imported electricity from Iran, and faces severe water shortages. While the airport is built, the city may not be ready to support it.

Built for China, Not Pakistan?

Many locals believe NGIA was designed to serve Chinese interests rather than Pakistan’s aviation needs. “This airport isn’t for Gwadar or Pakistan—it’s for China, ensuring access for its businesses and citizens,” says Azeem Khalid, an expert on Pakistan-China relations.

This skepticism is reinforced by the lack of domestic connectivity. There are no direct flights from Gwadar to major Pakistani cities like Quetta or Islamabad, and job opportunities for locals remain scarce.

Baloch political leaders have also voiced concerns. Abdul Ghafoor Hoth of the Balochistan Awami Party has pointed out that despite promises of employment under CPEC, no local Baloch residents have been hired at the airport.

The Uncertain Future of Gwadar Airport

While officials tout NGIA as a milestone for economic growth, reality tells a different story. Without commercial flights, reliable infrastructure, or local integration, Gwadar’s billion-dollar airport stands as a symbol of ambitious planning with little practical benefit—at least for now.