Airline seeks flights to smaller cities

KARACHI:

A domestic airline already operating in Pakistan has sought approval from the CAA to launch flights to smaller airports using low-capacity aircraft.

The move aims to provide air travel options for passengers currently relying on buses, trains, and cars for long journeys from the North to the South of the country.

During a press conference on Monday, Director General of the CAA Nadir Shafi Dar addressed several matters concerning Pakistan's aviation sector. It was his first formal media briefing since the CAA's recent restructuring into two divisions.

Dar announced that airports in smaller cities, including Sukkur, Multan, Faisalabad, and Sialkot, and more remote regions like Gwadar, Gilgit, and Skardu, would soon offer regular air services.

An existing airline has already requested permission to operate small aircraft on these routes, with plans to introduce flights for up to 40 to 50 passengers by early 2025.

The airline will initially deploy at least three small aircraft, with services expected to begin in the second quarter of 2025.

The DG further expressed optimism that more airlines would follow suit, boosting air connectivity for primary and secondary airports across the country.

"Currently, about 30 million passengers travel from the North to the South annually by bus, train, or car. If the airline sets reasonable fares, this route could become commercially viable," said Dar.

He also provided an update on PIA, saying that an audit of all national airline aircraft had been initiated following several incidents of technical landings and other issues.