The Senate Standing Committee on Defence has backed plans by regional carrier South Air to expand operations to northern destinations, despite concerns raised by aviation authorities over the airline’s original commitment to serve underserved areas in southern Pakistan.
The issue came under discussion during a committee meeting where aviation officials argued that South Air had received expedited approvals after pledging to improve connectivity to remote southern regions.
South Air Deputy Chief Executive Officer Mohsin Jamil told the committee that the airline currently operates two ATR-72 aircraft under wet-lease agreements and plans to add another aircraft to its fleet. He said restrictions on foreign flight crews have affected operations to some destinations in Balochistan, leading the airline to operate services on northern routes as well.
Defence Secretary Lt Gen (retd) Muhammad Ali said South Air had received expedited approvals after committing to serve regions long neglected by commercial airlines. He told the committee that Pakistan needed reliable regional carriers for underserved destinations such as Gwadar, Nawabshah, Panjgur and Sukkur, and questioned the airline’s shift toward northern tourist destinations.
However, committee members supported the airline’s position, arguing that its name should not limit where it can operate. Committee Chairman Senator Talha Mahmood also endorsed plans to launch services to northern destinations, including Chitral.
South Air informed the committee that it intends to improve connectivity at underserved airports across the country and expects to launch commercial flights to Chitral and Skardu by the end of June, subject to final regulatory approvals.
Aviation officials stressed that all required safety procedures must be completed before the airline begins commercial operations.