South Air domestic flights officially commenced from Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport on Thursday, marking a new chapter for Pakistan’s domestic aviation sector. The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said the airline’s launch will improve regional air connectivity and offer passengers more travel options across the country.
The Karachi-based private airline has introduced scheduled services on the Karachi–Turbat–Quetta and Karachi–Bahawalpur–Islamabad routes. Its inaugural flights, Z8911 to Turbat and Z8942 to Bahawalpur, departed from Karachi on Thursday morning, officially beginning commercial operations.
According to the PAA, the new routes are expected to strengthen domestic connectivity by linking underserved regions with major cities. Officials believe the additional services will make air travel more accessible while supporting economic and regional development.
Initially, South Air domestic flights will operate once a week on the Turbat route and three times a week on the Bahawalpur route. The airline has also announced plans to expand its network by adding flights to Peshawar, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Gwadar in the coming months.
The carrier is operating under the Tourism Promotion and Regional Integration (TPRI) Licence. Authorities said the expanded air network is expected to promote tourism, facilitate trade and improve regional integration through better transportation links.
South Air has launched its services with modern ATR 72-600 aircraft, known worldwide for fuel efficiency, reliable performance and compliance with international safety standards. The aircraft are widely used for short- and medium-haul regional flights.
South Air Chief Executive Officer Nishat Fatima said the airline intends to expand both its fleet and route network in the near future. She added that the company’s goal is to provide safe, punctual and high-quality services while connecting regions that have long experienced limited air travel facilities.
