New Private Airline Gets Approval to Start Flights

The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has issued an Air Operator Permit for Wet Lease (AOP-WL) to South Air, clearing the new private airline to begin commercial flight operations in Pakistan.

The permit, issued on June 29, authorizes South Air to operate commercial passenger services within the country using wet leased aircraft. The airline is expected to launch flight operations in the coming days after receiving the approval signed by PCAA Director General Nadir Shafi Dar.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority, the Ministry of Defence and the PCAA worked together to facilitate the airline’s certification. The aviation regulator said it remains committed to supporting the growth of Pakistan’s aviation sector.

South Air plans to operate flights to airports across Pakistan. The airline has already conducted test flights to New Gwadar International Airport and Sukkur Airport, with PCAA inspectors evaluating the operations during the flights.

In May, South Air completed its first trial flight from Karachi to Gwadar, marking an important step toward improving air connectivity in Balochistan.

The airline also came under discussion last month during a Senate Standing Committee on Defence meeting after aviation officials questioned its decision to operate flights on northern routes despite initially promising to improve connectivity in southern Pakistan.

South Air management explained that security restrictions affecting its foreign wet leased crew prevented operations to some destinations in Balochistan. The Senate committee ultimately backed the airline, stating that its name does not limit where it can operate and supporting its expansion to northern destinations.