KARACHI — Private carrier South Air successfully commenced its scheduled flight operations on Thursday morning, with its inaugural flights departing Jinnah International Airport for Quetta and Islamabad, according to a statement by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA).
The PAA noted that the entry of the new airline marks a vital step forward for Pakistan’s domestic aviation sector, offering passengers enhanced travel options and improved connectivity to underserved regional destinations.
Flight Schedules and Regional Connectivity
The airline’s initial phase focuses on linking major hubs with key regional cities, addressing a notable gap in existing domestic routes:
- Karachi to Quetta (via Turbat): Operating on a weekly schedule. Currently, the national carrier (PIA) operates only one weekly flight to Turbat, making this a critical alternative for travelers.
- Karachi to Islamabad (via Bahawalpur): Operating three times a week. This service introduces a direct connection to Bahawalpur from Karachi, a route previously unserved by other commercial airlines.
The launch follows a successful trial flight conducted by South Air from Karachi to Gwadar on May 26. An airline spokesperson emphasized that strengthening the air corridor to Gwadar will help synchronize maritime operations at the deep-sea port with fast-transit air services, accelerating the city’s growth as a major commercial hub.
South Air launches flight operations across major Pakistani cities
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Future Expansion Plans
The PAA confirmed that South Air plans to progressively expand its domestic route network to integrate more regional airports with major metropolitan centers.
| Phase | Target Routes from Karachi | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Current Phase | Quetta (via Turbat), Islamabad (via Bahawalpur) | Establishing core links and serving neglected regional stops. |
| Upcoming Phase | Peshawar, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Gwadar | Promoting trade, boosting local tourism, and improving regional business links. |
| Future Vision | Chitral, Dera Ismail Khan | Integrating remote areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the domestic network. |
The PAA expects that these services will greatly boost regional tourism, improve commercial transit, and provide much-needed convenience to business travelers across the country.
