The New Gwadar International Airport (GWD) opened for commercial flights on 20 January 2025 and replaced the old airport in the town. It sits at Gorandani, about 26 km from the city, so you should allow 30 to 40 minutes on the road after landing. Flight frequency is still low: in 2026 the regular services are a few flights a week between Gwadar and Karachi, one of them continuing to Quetta.
Schedules here change more than on any main route, so this guide covers what has been reported, and what to check before you book.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Airport code | GWD |
| Location | Gorandani, about 26 km from Gwadar city |
| Opened | Inaugurated 14 October 2024; commercial flights from 20 January 2025 |
| Runway | 3,658 m long, 45 m wide |
| Terminal | About 14,000 square metres; designed for 400,000 passengers a year |
| Transfer to town | About 30 to 40 minutes by road |
| Airlines in 2026 | South Air and PIA (check current schedules) |
Where is the new Gwadar airport?
The airport is at Gorandani on the Makran coast, north-east of the town and well away from the old airport that sat close to the city. It was built as a CPEC project and was designed as a large regional hub, which is why the runway is 3,658 metres long and can take the biggest aircraft, including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8.
The size of the runway does not match the amount of traffic yet. In its first weeks, between 20 January and 26 February 2025, the airport handled 42 flights and 1,537 passengers, according to the administration. Most of those were Karachi flights on three days a week, plus a weekly service to Muscat.
Which flights use it?
Two things are worth separating: what has been reported, and what you can book today.
- South Air (Karachi): the airline announced two weekly services from 9 July to 31 October 2026. On Thursdays a Karachi to Gwadar flight leaves at 4:40 p.m. and arrives at 6:10 p.m., returning at 6:40 p.m. On Saturdays the flight leaves Karachi at 7:00 a.m., reaches Gwadar at 8:30 a.m., and continues to Quetta, arriving at 10:40 a.m. The return leaves Quetta at 11:10 a.m.
- PIA: operated the first commercial arrival, and has flown to Karachi and, on an international route, to Muscat. Whether these run in a given month depends on the current timetable.
- Charters: some charter flights to the Gulf have used the airport.
South Air's schedule is dated to a fixed period, so anything after 31 October 2026 needs checking on the airline's site. Because there are so few weekly departures, a cancelled flight can cost you days. We suggest not tying a hotel booking, or a return connection, to one flight without a back-up plan. Our guide to the Karachi to Gwadar flight covers the route itself, and the road journey from Karachi is the alternative.
What facilities does the airport have?
The terminal is modern and compact, about 14,000 square metres, with a cargo terminal that includes refrigerated space for perishable goods such as fish. A separate cargo building began construction in December 2025.
Some travel sites also mention a food court, lounges and an open-air car park near the terminal. Those come from secondary sources, so check the details with the airline or airport staff instead of counting on a particular restaurant being open. In practice, eat before you leave the city, and carry water and cash. Cards and mobile signal cannot be taken for granted on the coast.
How to get from the airport to Gwadar
We found no published public transport to the terminal, so the usual options are:
- A pre-arranged pickup. Ask your hotel to send a car. This is the simplest option with limited evening flights, such as the Thursday arrival at 6:10 p.m. Our Gwadar hotels guide lists the areas where most visitors stay.
- A taxi at the terminal. Available, but agree the fare before you get in, since fixed rates are not posted anywhere we could verify.
- Your own car. If friends or family are driving you, the road into town takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes.
The road from the airport into Gwadar is short, but do not plan to travel after dark beyond that. Balochistan has its own rules on night travel, and our post on the Balochistan night travel ban explains what applies.
Is it safe to travel to Gwadar?
Visitors do fly to Gwadar, but Balochistan as a whole carries security advisories. The UK government advises against all travel to Balochistan, and travel to the province may void insurance for foreign-passport holders, so overseas visitors should check their own government's advice first. Pakistani travellers should check the current local news and police guidance before booking. Our Gwadar safety guide covers this in more detail.
Is the new airport worth planning around?
For a trip to Gwadar, yes. Flying is the fastest way to reach a coastal city that is a long road journey from Karachi, and the new airport is far larger than the old one. But it is not a place with a big timetable, so the airport shapes the trip rather than the reverse.
If you have flexible days, fly one way and return by road, or the other way round. If your dates are fixed, look at the road option seriously, and read our travel guide before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Is the new Gwadar airport open?
Yes. It has handled commercial flights since 20 January 2025 and replaced the old airport for passenger service.
How far is the new Gwadar airport from the city?
About 26 km, or roughly 30 to 40 minutes by road.
Which airlines fly to the New Gwadar International Airport?
In 2026 South Air has announced weekly Karachi flights, one continuing to Quetta, from 9 July to 31 October. PIA has also flown the route and to Muscat. Always confirm the current timetable before booking.
Can international flights land at Gwadar?
The airport has an international designation, and a first flight to Muscat left on 10 January 2025. Scheduled international services are limited, so check whether one is running when you travel.
Is the old Gwadar airport still used?
The new airport replaced it for commercial flights. Check with the airline if a schedule refers to the old airport.
