South Air will operate its first commercial passenger flight between Karachi-Bahwalpur-Islamabad on July 16, 2026, marking the formal launch of Pakistan’s newest domestic airline.
The carrier opened flight bookings on July 10, allowing passengers to reserve seats ahead of the inaugural service. The first commercial flight will use an ATR 72 turboprop aircraft, according to the airline’s launch announcement.
South Air has positioned itself as a regional carrier focused on improving domestic connectivity. Its website lists several existing and planned destinations across Pakistan, particularly cities with limited air links.
The July 16 service will be South Air’s first commercial flight, rather than its first aircraft operation.
The airline previously conducted a trial flight from Karachi to New Gwadar International Airport in May as part of its operational preparations. Flight Z8-905 departed Karachi and landed at Gwadar after completing the certification-related journey.
South Air later received the required aviation licence to move toward scheduled domestic operations. The certification followed regulatory checks and the successful trial flight.
South Air will initially operate ATR 72 aircraft. These turboprop planes are commonly used on short domestic routes and can serve smaller airports with shorter runways.
This makes the aircraft suitable for the airline’s regional strategy, which aims to connect major cities with comparatively underserved destinations.
The July 16 flight will formally introduce another private operator to Pakistan’s domestic aviation market and expand travel options on regional routes.
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