Air Karachi, Pakistan’s new domestic airline, will schedule it’s first flight operation on March 23, 2026. This flight follows the inauguration of its operations office at the Old Airport in Karachi.
The launch will expand the connectivity and competition in the country’s aviation industry. It will bring togeather the personalities like PIA CEO Amir Hayat, Civil Aviation Authority DG Nadir Shafiq, diplomats, shareholders, and board members, highlighting the airline’s vision and leadership.
Secretary of Defense Lieutenant General (Retd) Muhammad Ali praised the initiative, calling it a milestone for Pakistan’s economic and aviation revival.
“We are making efforts to take Pakistan to the position our founding leaders dreamt of,” he said. He also credited Karachi’s business community for its central role in strengthening both the provincial and national economy.
He acknowledged the challenges that they have faces while starting an airline, and stated that
“Some airlines came but couldn’t survive, while others are still providing services today.” He welcomed Air Karachi’s collaboration with PIA’s engineering division, describing it as a move that would enhance the airline’s operational reliability. The government, he added, stands ready to support the new venture.
Air Karachi Chairman, Hanif Gohar, revealed that the airline was founded by 42 businessmen and they united to create a national carrier built on local investment and commitment.
“We are 42 people who have created this airline for the country,” Gohar said, recalling that his first application for an airline license was filed in 2009. After years of determination, he said, that dream has finally been realized.
He also highlighted the business community’s wider social role, pointing to its consistent efforts in welfare, healthcare, and education. “If you remove Karachi’s business community from this system, the wheel of the country’s economy will stop,” he emphasized.
The Airline has signed a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) agreement with PIA, confirmed the Air Karachi CEO AVM (Retd) Syed Imran Majid. He also added that the airline has also received its Regular Public Transport (RPT) license and working on acquiring three Airbus A320 aircraft. Discussions with other airlines are also ongoing to expand its fleet.
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