06/06/2026
South Air’s plans to expand regional air connectivity, including future operations to northern destinations, were highlighted by Bloom Pakistan.
The development reflects growing interest in strengthening air links, improving accessibility, and supporting tourism across Pakistan.
Pakistan’s newest regional airline, South Air, has received strong support from the Senate Standing Committee on Defence for its plans to expand operations to northern tourism hubs, including Skardu and Chitral, even as aviation authorities questioned whether the carrier was moving away from its original commitment to serve underserved areas of southern Pakistan.
The debate emerged during a recent committee meeting where aviation officials argued that South Air had secured fast-track approvals after promising to improve air connectivity in neglected regions such as Gwadar, Panjgur, Nawabshah, and Sukkur. However, lawmakers ultimately backed the airline’s expansion strategy, saying regional carriers should be free to operate wherever demand exists.
Senate Backs Northern Expansion
Committee Chairman Talha Mahmood and other members endorsed South Air’s proposal to launch services to northern destinations, including Chitral, rejecting the notion that the airline’s name should restrict its route network.
South Air Deputy CEO Mohsin Jamil told lawmakers that the airline currently operates two ATR 72 aircraft under wet-lease arrangements and plans to add another aircraft as it expands its domestic footprint.
According to the airline, flights to Chitral and Skardu could begin by the end of June, subject to final regulatory clearances and safety approvals.
Why South Air Shifted Beyond Southern Pakistan
Aviation regulators expressed concern that the airline was increasingly focusing on northern tourist destinations rather than the remote southern regions that initially justified its approval process.
However, South Air said operational challenges have complicated services to some destinations in Balochistan. Restrictions affecting foreign flight crews and other logistical hurdles have pushed the airline to diversify its route network while continuing to pursue connectivity goals nationwide.
Defence Secretary Muhammad Ali emphasized that Pakistan urgently needs reliable regional airlines to connect cities that remain underserved by major carriers, particularly in Balochistan and interior Sindh.
