The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has completed preparations to facilitate the launch of two new Pakistani airlines, one focused on passenger services and the other on cargo operations, marking a significant development in the country’s aviation sector.
According to airport sources, a new passenger airline named Karachi Air is set to begin operations in May or June after finalizing aircraft lease arrangements. The airline will initially operate domestic flights connecting major cities including Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, Sukkur, Multan, Quetta, and Peshawar. After completing one year of domestic operations, Karachi Air is expected to expand into international routes, strengthening Pakistan’s commercial aviation network.
In the cargo aviation segment, logistics company TCS is introducing a Boeing 747-400 aircraft dedicated exclusively to air freight services. Meanwhile, K2 Airline, which already operates cargo flights, is expanding its fleet with the addition of another Boeing 747-400. These developments are expected to significantly boost air cargo capacity within Pakistan and on international routes, reducing reliance on foreign airlines that have historically dominated the cargo market.
With an estimated 90,000 to 100,000 passengers traveling daily from Pakistan, the addition of new airlines is likely to increase competition and improve connectivity. Currently, travelers depend on carriers such as Fly Jinnah, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), and several international airlines from the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and other countries.
A spokesperson for the Pakistan Airports Authority confirmed that all necessary infrastructure and operational support are being provided to ensure a smooth launch for the new airlines, signaling positive growth in Pakistan’s aviation and air cargo industry.
