Sukkur: Pakistan’s private regional carrier South Air has commenced scheduled flight operations from Begum Nusrat Bhutto Airport Sukkur, marking a major expansion in the country’s domestic aviation network.
The inaugural flight on the Islamabad to Karachi via Bahawalpur route departed from Sukkur on Sunday.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Divisional Commissioner Sukkur Abid Saleem Qureshi said the launch of the new airline is a significant milestone for the region.
He said the new air service will not only reduce pressure on ground transport routes but will also help strengthen cultural ties and regional integration.
Operating under the Tourism Promotion and Regional Integration (TPRI) Licence, the new services are expected to promote tourism, facilitate trade, and improve air connectivity across Pakistan, he added.
The Commissioner also said that work on the Sukkur-Karachi Motorway is progressing rapidly, which will significantly reduce travel time and provide better facilities to passengers.
Official of South Air, Kaleemullah Buledi, said the airline has already launched scheduled operations on the Karachi-Turbat-Quetta and Karachi-Bahawalpur-Islamabad routes, and has now added Sukkur to its network.
He said the new services will enhance domestic connectivity and provide passengers with more convenient and improved travel options.
Chief Security Officer of the Airport Security Force (ASF), Colonel Arshad Ali, said South Air has launched its operations with modern ATR 72-600 aircraft, which are widely used globally for short and medium haul flights due to their fuel efficiency, operational performance, and compliance with international safety standards.
Airport Manager Naqash Baig said the establishment of South Air is not merely the addition of a new airline, but a national effort to strengthen Pakistan’s air connectivity.
Our commitment is to provide every passenger with safe, punctual, and high quality travel services and to connect those regions with the national aviation network where air services have remained limited, he said.