South Air launches commercial flights, restores Bahawalpur air link after three years

A new private airline named South Air launched its scheduled commercial flight operations on Thursday, operating eight flights on its first day between Karachi, Bahawalpur, Turbat, Quetta and Islamabad.

The launch also restored Bahawalpur’s direct air connectivity with other major cities after nearly three years. The route had remained suspended since 2023, when Pakistan International Airlines discontinued flights linking Karachi, Bahawalpur and Islamabad.

South Air began ticket sales after receiving commercial operating approval from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. In the initial phase, the airline is operating with two ATR aircraft, which are commonly used for short-haul regional routes.

According to Chief Executive Officer Nishat Fatima, the airline’s first flights departed from Karachi for Turbat and Bahawalpur, with the aim of reconnecting cities that have faced limited or discontinued air services in recent years.

The inaugural schedule included flights between Karachi, Quetta and Turbat, as well as services connecting Karachi, Bahawalpur and Islamabad.

Passengers welcomed the new airline, telling a private media outlet that the resumption of direct flights would reduce travel time and costs, particularly for business travellers, students, government employees and patients who had previously relied on lengthy road journeys or indirect air connections.

A launch ceremony was also held at Quetta Airport, where Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail formally inaugurated the airline’s operations alongside provincial officials. Speaking at the event, the governor said improved air connectivity between Quetta, Turbat, Karachi and other cities would benefit residents by easing travel across Pakistan’s largest province, where long road distances often make journeys difficult.

Aviation experts said the launch could boost Pakistan’s aviation sector by improving competition, connectivity and passenger services.

South Air said it plans to gradually expand its network, prioritising destinations where commercial air services remain limited or have been suspended in recent years.