Pakistan’s Gwadar Airport: A Grand Infrastructure Without Flights—What Went Wrong?

On the shores of the Arabian Sea, Gwadar is meant to be Pakistan’s answer to the world’s most strategic port cities. But as the sun sets over its deep-sea harbor, the sprawling, newly built Gwadar International Airport stands eerily silent. No planes, no passengers—just the occasional hum of security personnel patrolling an otherwise deserted facility.

It wasn’t always meant to be this way. Opened with grand promises of economic transformation, Gwadar’s airport—funded by China as part of the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)—was expected to be the gateway to a booming new trade hub. Instead, it has become the subject of scrutiny, regional media reports, and growing local grievances. Why is Pakistan’s largest international airport devoid of flights, and what does this tell us about the country’s broader developmental challenges?

The Promise vs. The Reality

With a $246 million investment from China, the airport was designed to be Pakistan’s second-largest after Karachi. Equipped to handle Airbus A380s and international cargo shipments, it was envisioned as a linchpin in connecting Gwadar to global markets, particularly China, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Yet, today, it lacks commercial operations, and skeptics argue that the grand infrastructure has little to offer the people of Balochistan beyond symbolic significance.

“When push comes to shove, it is evident why Indian media is amplifying Gwadar’s challenges—they recognize its long-term strategic and economic potential. The narrative they are pushing focuses on non-functionality and local grievances, but the real issue is: why are we allowing space for such misrepresentation? Instead of reacting, we must proactively address these concerns through tangible measures that reflect our commitment to development and integration,” says Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi, a seasoned diplomat.

Dr. Dost Barrech, a faculty member of International Relations at the University of Balochistan, echoes similar concerns, highlighting India’s geopolitical tactics while emphasizing the need for local development.

“India has consistently highlighted Pakistan’s weaknesses while downplaying its strengths, using Gwadar as a geopolitical tool,” says Dr. Barrech. “Instead of reacting to such narratives, Pakistan must proactively address its internal shortcomings. Gwadar holds immense strategic significance, connecting 3 billion people across the Asia-Pacific, Central Asia, and the Middle East. As historian Tim Marshall notes in Prisoners of Geography, ‘there is no Pakistan without Balochistan.’ This underscores the province’s geopolitical and economic importance.”

However, the real issue remains: how much do these developments truly benefit the local population? Many locals, especially those dependent on fishing, have suffered due to increased securitization and restricted access to traditional livelihoods. The first phase of CPEC has heightened centralization of power, weakened democratic norms, and led to the appointment of non-representative leadership, further exacerbating local grievances.”

This frustration is not new. Movements like Haq Do Tehreek have long protested for basic necessities—clean water, electricity, and job opportunities—demanding a fairer distribution of Gwadar’s economic potential. A key grievance remains the lack of local integration into mega-projects. Despite CPEC’s first phase injecting over $700 million into Gwadar, the province’s share in port revenues remains 0%, while 91% goes to China and the remainder to Pakistan’s federal government.

Also See: First Commercial Flight Lands at New Gwadar International Airport

A Strategic Asset Without Strategic Vision?

For some, the empty airport is symptomatic of a larger issue: a lack of coherent policy to integrate Gwadar into Pakistan’s economic framework. Ambassador Hashmi questions why Gwadar’s airport remains non-operational when Quetta—despite its smaller market—sustains commercial activity.

“If we are serious about making Gwadar a regional hub, why haven’t we taken concrete steps to route Gulf-bound and China-bound flights through Gwadar? Why are we not expanding domestic routes to create a steady flow of passengers? Quetta Airport, despite having a much smaller market, sees commercial activity—so why aren’t we adopting similar strategies for Gwadar?”

Dr. Barrech argues that the decision-making process regarding Gwadar remains opaque. “The 18th Amendment promised that Balochistan would receive a 50% share in the Gwadar Port Authority, yet it currently holds 0%. Instead, 91% of Gwadar’s revenue goes to China, while the federal government retains the remaining 9%. Former Chief Minister Aslam Raisani has even stated that his government was ousted because he advocated for Balochistan’s rightful share in Gwadar and Reko Diq.”

Security concerns and governance challenges have also played a role. The region has seen insurgent attacks, and investors remain hesitant. “The ongoing Baloch insurgency, now in its fifth phase, has persisted for over 20 years—longer than any previous phase. When initiating CPEC, policymakers failed to address the root causes of Baloch discontent,” Dr. Barrech notes.

“Investor confidence is crucial, but many investors are hesitant due to the security situation and the absence of a stable civil administration,” explains Dr. Salma Malik, Associate Professor at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, noting that even Chinese investors, despite their deep stakes in Gwadar, are wary.

“Even Chinese investments, while significant, face challenges in the second phase due to these concerns. Moreover, there is a lack of proper marketing—both within Pakistan and internationally. Gwadar has potential, but it needs to be marketed more effectively, and stakeholders must ensure that merchandise reaches the right markets.”

She further points out that the city itself must be seen as livable before its airport can function as a commercial hub. “The absence of families and the lack of permanent residence, along with limited hospital facilities, make it difficult for people to settle. Gwadar’s tourism potential is immense, with places like the Hingol National Park, but the overarching security situation still deters investment,” she explains. “For the airport to be viable, the city must first be made livable. Tourism, business, and local engagement must drive the demand for flights, not the other way around.”

Ambassador Hashmi further emphasizes that airports are not just about flights; they are economic zones in themselves.
“Have we explored the full potential of establishing duty-free shops, business lounges, and retail spaces at Gwadar Airport to encourage commercial activity? Are we providing incentives for businesses to set up there? A well-planned airport ecosystem can attract travelers, entrepreneurs, and investors, transforming perceptions and creating opportunities.”

The Role of Media & Narrative Building in Balochistan

Dr. Barrech emphasizes that the 21st century is the century of narratives—the strength of a state’s image depends on the strength of its narrative. While Pakistani leaders frequently acknowledge Balochistan’s grievances, he argues that mere rhetoric is insufficient without tangible improvements on the ground.

During the first phase of CPEC, energy and infrastructure development received nearly $35 billion in investments, primarily benefiting Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, Balochistan received minimal infrastructure upgrades. “Even today, over 6,000 people die annually in traffic accidents due to poor roads—more than the fatalities caused by terrorism in the province. Meanwhile, 2.5 million children in Balochistan remain out of school, the highest in Pakistan. The province’s per capita income is just $1,000, significantly lower than the national average,” Dr. Barrech explains.

He further highlights that Reko Diq, which could generate $75 billion over 35 years, has yet to benefit local communities. “While CPEC has improved energy security for other provinces, load shedding in Quetta remains as severe in 2025 as it was in 2007. Such disparities fuel the perception that CPEC is an illusion rather than a game-changer. Many students and locals express skepticism about its benefits, reinforcing the need for both development on the ground and stronger communication strategies,” he adds.

Dr. Barrech stresses that the success of Pakistan’s soft power and narrative projection depends on genuine improvements in local livelihoods. Unless Balochistan’s people feel economically empowered and politically included, no amount of media projection will change perceptions at home or abroad. “A balanced approach—combining substantive development with effective narrative-building—is essential for long-term stability and prosperity in the region,” he concludes.

Gwadar, Afghanistan and the Regional Connectivity

Beyond Pakistan’s internal challenges, Gwadar’s economic future is deeply tied to Afghanistan and Central Asia. Salman Javed, Director of South Asia Times and Pak-Afghan expert, emphasizes the port’s potential as a transit hub for Afghanistan, a landlocked country seeking reliable maritime access.

“Under international law, Afghanistan has the right to a sea route,” he notes. “If Pakistan and Afghanistan develop the Gwadar-Chaman-Kandahar corridor with streamlined customs, bonded storage, and trade incentives, Gwadar could become Afghanistan’s primary maritime gateway. But so far, diplomatic spats and security concerns have prevented this.”

He further stresses that multilateral forums like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) could facilitate greater regional integration. “If Gwadar is positioned as part of a larger connectivity vision rather than just a bilateral project between Pakistan and China, its viability for Afghanistan will become undeniable,” he adds.

Dr. Salma Malik echoes similar concerns, emphasizing that Pakistan and China must market Gwadar as an internal product rather than just a Chinese investment. “The idea is to ensure that the local population, particularly youth, is involved through vocational training, fishing industries, and agriculture,” she adds.

Gwadar’s Geopolitical and Geo-Economic Role

The geopolitical dimension is also hard to ignore. Salman Javed highlights that Gwadar is not just a port—it is a strategic fulcrum where South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East converge. Its deep-sea capabilities could shift trade routes away from the Strait of Hormuz, making Pakistan a key transit state.

However, he points out that the conversation surrounding Gwadar has been overly dominated by geopolitics, often reducing it to a security concern rather than recognizing its economic potential. “Pakistan’s National Security Policy acknowledges that national security today is inseparable from economic security. Gwadar is a perfect example of this convergence—its success will determine not just Pakistan’s strategic position in the region but also its economic trajectory,” he notes.

He argues that India has deliberately framed Gwadar as a Chinese military outpost, amplifying this perception in Western strategic circles to counter its importance. “Pakistan must neutralize this narrative by actively engaging Gulf countries, Central Asian states, and even European investors to showcase Gwadar as an open and inclusive trade hub,” he explains.

Ambassador Hashmi adds: “If we truly want to integrate Gwadar into the national and regional economic landscape, why aren’t we offering special incentives for transit passengers, business delegations, and tourism initiatives that bring people to Gwadar? Economic activity follows opportunity, and opportunity arises when we take deliberate steps to showcase what Gwadar has to offer.”

With Chabahar Port in Iran being actively backed by India, and tensions between Pakistan and India shaping regional narratives, Gwadar has become a focal point for international competition. As Chinese investments continue, Pakistan must walk a fine line between economic partnerships and national sovereignty.

Balancing Internal Development with External Interests

Salman Javed stresses that Gwadar’s biggest challenge is not foreign skepticism but domestic integration. “There is a growing perception among the Baloch population that Gwadar’s development is benefiting external players—Chinese investors, federal authorities, and non-local businessmen—while the local community remains on the margins,” he explains. This perception must change through visible economic benefits, employment opportunities, and improved living conditions.

Dr. Barrech echoes these concerns, arguing that Gwadar’s economic revival must focus on local industries like fisheries, agriculture, and tourism rather than just large infrastructure projects. “Balochistan’s 750-kilometer coastline holds immense potential for a blue economy, particularly in fisheries and marine-based industries. With 70% of the coastal population dependent on fishing, modernizing this sector is crucial,” he notes. “Pakistan could take inspiration from the Maldives, where the blue economy contributes nearly 36% to GDP.”

He also highlights the untapped potential of agriculture in the region. “Balochistan has 12 million acres of uncultivated land. In the second phase of CPEC, efforts should focus on agricultural expansion. For instance, Sherani district possesses ideal conditions for pistachio cultivation, yet remains underdeveloped. Similarly, Panjgur produces over 400,000 tons of dates, yet Iran capitalizes on the market through superior processing.”

Heritage tourism remains another overlooked sector. “Balochistan’s ancient heritage—such as the Mehrgarh civilization—remains largely ignored in Pakistan’s tourism strategy. Developing railway, road, and marine tourism in Quetta and other cities could further integrate the province into the national economy. By emphasizing geo-economic development rather than mere strategic positioning, many of Balochistan’s grievances could be resolved,” he argues.

“The ultimate challenge is to address security concerns, improve governance, and create an environment where Gwadar becomes a thriving, integrated economic hub for Pakistan, where both local and international stakeholders can see real benefits,” adds Dr. Salma Malik.

The Path Forward: Beyond Empty Infrastructure

Gwadar’s empty airport is not just a logistical failure—it is a symbol of deeper governance, security, and economic integration challenges that Pakistan must address. While external narratives may highlight its shortcomings, the real challenge lies within.

“The moment people see real, tangible benefits—whether through employment, business prospects, or increased connectivity—the narrative around Gwadar will shift. So, the question remains: what immediate steps are we taking to ensure this transition happens sooner rather than later?” Ambassador Hashmi urges.

Building on this, Salman Javed emphasizes that Pakistan must balance the interests of major international players, including China, the U.S., and Gulf countries, each of whom has strategic stakes in the region. “Engaging Gulf countries, particularly in sectors like logistics and petrochemicals, could help balance China’s dominance and bring in diversified investments. More importantly, Gwadar’s development must be reframed as an economic necessity for Pakistan rather than a geopolitical tool,” he suggests.

At the same time, Dr. Barrech points out, Balochistan’s economic revival must be rooted in local engagement. “Investments should prioritize fisheries, blue economy initiatives, and agro-based industries instead of just infrastructure,” he argues. “Only then will Gwadar’s development shift from a geopolitical pawn to a geo-economic success.”

For now, Gwadar’s airport remains a grand facility awaiting its first major wave of passengers. Whether it will become a bustling transit hub or another white elephant in Pakistan’s development saga depends on what happens next.

The question remains: will Pakistan seize the opportunity, or will Gwadar remain a dream deferred?

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