A newly established Pakistani airline, South Air, has officially started its test flight operations, according to the reports today.
The new airline is expected to support domestic tourism and improve air travel between major cities and even the remote areas of the country.
The airline’s first test flight will depart from Karachi and travel on a short route that will cover Gwadar and Quetta.
South Air is using ATR aircraft for these flights. These planes are commonly used for short regional routes. These are also very suitable for airports with shorter runways.
South Air has also recently gotten a TPRI or the Tourism Promotion and Regional Integration licence from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. The licence will also allow the airline to develop services focused on tourism and better regional connectivity.
Experts in the aviation sector have also said that Pakistan’s domestic airline market has been growing in recent years.
New private airlines are entering the industry to increase competition. They also improve connectivity and provide more travel options for passengers.
Sources say South Air plans to launch a larger domestic network in the future. The proposed routes may connect cities including Karachi, Gwadar, Quetta, Multan, Turbat, Sukkur, and Rahim Yar Khan.
Reports say that if the plan moves forward, the new network could reduce travel time between the southern and southwestern parts of Pakistan. It can also help to boost the tourism and trade activities in these regions greatly.
The airline has also applied for a Regular Public Transport (RPT) licence from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. This approval is needed before the airline can begin regular commercial passenger flights.
Pakistan successfully completes 34 day Hajj flight operation
Pakistan has successfully completed its 34 day Hajj flight operation, according to the reports today. With this operation, thousands of pilgrims have reached Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2026.
The operation was carried out under the government Hajj scheme and was described by officials as a major administrative success.
