Pakistan’s Newest Domestic Airline Announces Date for First Flight

Air Karachi, Pakistan’s newest airline, will launch its flight operations on March 23, 2026. The announcement follows the official inauguration of the airline’s operations office at the Old Airport in Karachi. The launch event brought together high-profile dignitaries, including PIA CEO Amir Hayat, Director General of Civil Aviation Nadir Shafiq, diplomats, shareholders, and the Board of Directors. Secretary of Defense Lieutenant General (Retd) Muhammad Ali praised the initiative. He said, “We are making efforts to take Pakistan to the position our founding leaders dreamt of.” He highlighted the vital role of Karachi’s business community in boosting the city, province, and the country’s global reputation. He acknowledged the complexity of launching an airline, noting, “Some airlines came but couldn’t survive, while others are still providing services today.” He also pointed out Air Karachi’s partnership with PIA’s engineering division as a positive step and assured full government support for the new venture. Air Karachi Chairman Hanif Gohar revealed that 42 businessmen joined forces to establish the airline. “We are 42 people who have created this airline for the country,” he said. Gohar shared that he first applied for an airline license in 2009, and after years of perseverance, the dream has finally been realized. Gohar also emphasized the business community’s broader contributions, including work in welfare, healthcare, and education through public-private partnerships. “If you remove Karachi’s business community from this system, the wheel of the country’s economy will stop,” he stressed. Earlier, Air Karachi CEO AVM (Retd) Syed Imran Majid announced that the airline has signed an MoU for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul services with PIA. The airline has obtained its RPT license and is in the process of acquiring three A320 aircraft, with ongoing meetings with other airlines.