KARACHI: In a landmark moment for Pakistan’s aviation sector, South Air has officially launched its domestic flight operations, bringing renewed hope for improved connectivity and economic growth across the country as the private carrier takes to the skies with ambitious plans to serve underserved regions.
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced on Thursday that South Air’s inaugural services departed from Jinnah International Airport, marking the start of scheduled domestic operations for the new private airline.
South Air starts operations from Karachi Jinnah Intl under TPRI licence, enhancing domestic regional connectivity. pic.twitter.com/msuWG2CEkp
— Pakistan Airports Authority (@Pk_PAA_Official) July 16, 2026
The authority described the launch as a significant step that would strengthen Pakistan’s domestic air network by offering passengers more travel options and improving connectivity between major cities.
The airline’s maiden flights connected Karachi to Quetta via Turbat and Karachi to Islamabad via Bahawalpur. Initially, South Air will operate one weekly flight on the Karachi-Quetta route via Turbat and three weekly flights between Karachi and Islamabad via Bahawalpur. The airline has also announced plans to expand its domestic network with future services to Peshawar, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Gwadar.
Grand welcome at Bahawalpur airport
The welcoming ceremony at Bahawalpur Airport was led by Deputy Commissioner Bahawalpur Syed Hasan Raza, along with district administration officials, airport authorities, and representatives from the business and industrial community. The event underscored the significance of the occasion for the region, which has long advocated for improved air connectivity.
Participants described the restoration of domestic flights as a welcome development and a significant step toward progress for Southern Punjab.
They highlighted that the initiative would facilitate travel, trade, investment, and tourism in the region, unlocking economic opportunities that had remained untapped due to limited connectivity.
نئی نجی ایئرلائن ساؤتھ ایئر نے پاکستان میں اپنے ڈومیسٹک فلائٹ آپریشنز کا باقاعدہ آغاز کر دیا۔https://t.co/4yNDhjnBRH #SouthAirStartsDomesticFlightOperations #Karachi #Bahawalpur #Sukkur #RahimYarKhan @official_pcaa @obaidaghajan @SohailAKhanInfo @southair pic.twitter.com/z49Jz7JxpW
— Sahafi.Online (@SOnlinepak) July 16, 2026
A game-changer for regional connectivity
The new routes are expected to promote tourism, facilitate trade, and improve regional integration across Pakistan. South Air’s entry comes at a crucial time when smaller cities have struggled with limited air connectivity.
While Pakistan International Airlines currently operates one weekly flight between Karachi and Turbat, no airline previously offered direct flights from Karachi to Bahawalpur, a gap South Air has now filled.
“We are proud to announce the launch of South Air. This is a significant milestone in the aviation sector of the country, where a public limited company has taken the lead to serve the nation, connecting people to their favorite destinations. South Air will soon be connecting all of Pakistan’s cities with safe, reliable, and comfortable air travel. We believe in opening up the country’s real tourism potential and providing more choices to passengers,” said a South Air official.
The airline is led by Chief Executive Officer Nishat Fatima, who holds the distinction of being the first woman in Pakistan to head an airline. South Air also aims to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to increasing the representation of women in its workforce.
The inaugural South Air flight arriving at Quetta International Airport from Turbat received a traditional water cannon salute.
The ceremony was attended by Governor Balochistan Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail as a Chief Guest. pic.twitter.com/8y8JvvA44j
— Pakistan Airports Authority (@Pk_PAA_Official) July 16, 2026
Building on successful trial flights
South Air conducted its first trial flight from Karachi to Gwadar on May 26. At the time, the airline highlighted the importance of stronger connectivity between Gwadar Port and Gwadar International Airport, suggesting that integrating maritime and air transport could help develop the city into a major commercial and transit hub.
The airline currently operates a fleet of ATR turboprop aircraft, which are ideally suited to serve smaller airports and shorter runways. Earlier this year, South Air signed a lease agreement for two ATR aircraft to support its regional operations. The company is also in discussions to acquire jet aircraft that would allow it to operate on longer routes and eventually launch international flights in the future.
A brighter future for Pakistan’s aviation sector
The launch of South Air represents a significant step forward in diversifying Pakistan’s aviation landscape. The airline’s commitment to serving smaller cities will not only improve passenger convenience but also unlock economic opportunities in regions that have long been underserved.
