South Air launches direct flights to Gwadar

According to the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), the inaugural South Air flight arrived with 54 passengers on board, marking the airline’s official launch of services to Gwadar. South Air had earlier launched flights to Karachi, Bahawalpur, Turbat, Islamabad and Quetta as part of its domestic expansion plan.

The airline initially operated eight flights on these routes, restoring air connectivity to Bahawalpur and Turbat after a long suspension. Flight services between Karachi and Islamabad, as well as Karachi and Bahawalpur, have also resumed, reconnecting Bahawalpur with major cities after a gap of three years.

South Air has also been operating flights between Karachi, Turbat and Quetta using modern ATR aircraft to provide efficient and reliable domestic air travel. The launch of flights to Gwadar is expected to improve connectivity for residents, businesses and travellers while supporting economic activity in the port city.

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Meanwhile, Pakistan’s aviation sector has also witnessed the arrival of new international airlines. Last year, Saudi low-cost carrier Flyadeal launched flight operations to Pakistan. According to the PAA, Flyadeal’s inaugural flight, F3 166, arrived at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi from Saudi Arabia and received a traditional water salute upon landing.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) granted Flyadeal permission to operate in Pakistan in November 2024 after approving the airline’s request for commercial operations. Flyadeal currently operates flights between Riyadh and Karachi, with additional services connecting Karachi to Riyadh and Jeddah.