Pakistan’s newest airline, South Air, is set to officially commence its scheduled commercial operations on July 16, 2026, with its inaugural flight connecting Karachi and Islamabad, marking a significant addition to the country’s domestic aviation sector.

The airline has opened bookings for its maiden service, with one-way fares reportedly starting from Rs. 14,000. The inaugural route will be operated using an ATR 72 aircraft and will include a scheduled stop in Bahawalpur, bringing the total journey time to approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes.

According to the airline, passenger interest has been encouraging ahead of the launch, with Economy Premium seats already sold out, reflecting strong early demand for the new service.

South Air says its long-term vision is to strengthen Pakistan’s domestic aviation network by improving connectivity between major commercial centers and underserved cities. By introducing additional regional routes, the airline aims to make air travel more accessible while supporting business, tourism, and economic development across the country.

Industry observers believe the entry of a new domestic carrier will increase competition, provide passengers with more travel options, and contribute to the continued growth of Pakistan’s aviation sector.

The launch of commercial operations marks an important milestone for South Air as it begins its journey to expand regional connectivity and enhance the country’s air transport infrastructure.