South Air is set to commence flight operations linking Dera Ismail Khan and Chitral in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with other major cities across Pakistan as the private airline prepares to launch nationwide services later this month.
The announcement came during a meeting on Monday between South Air Chairman Kanwar Muhammad Tariq and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi. Tariq emphasized the airline’s plan to operate daily flights to Dera Ismail Khan, highlighting the city as a vital destination within its expanding network.
In a significant development, Tariq revealed that South Air would also introduce regular flights to Chitral, aiming to connect remote and underserved areas to the country’s broader air transport system. He confirmed that all operational, technical, and administrative preparations have been completed ahead of the service launch.
Additionally, the airline intends to run flights from Peshawar to Karachi and Quetta, along with daily services between Peshawar and Lahore. Last week, South Air conducted its inaugural trial flight from Karachi to Gwadar, marking a step toward enhancing air connectivity along Pakistan’s coastal region.
Governor Kundi assured full support for South Air’s planned operations in Dera Ismail Khan and Chitral, expressing optimism about the success of these new routes within the province.
Highlighting the importance of aviation for regional development, Kundi noted that improved air links are crucial for boosting tourism and business activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which he described as Pakistan’s tourism hub. He pointed out that many key areas in the province still lack sufficient aviation infrastructure.
The governor added that flights connecting Peshawar with Karachi, Lahore, and Quetta would stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and support tourism and commerce throughout the region. The entry of new airlines like South Air is expected to further these goals.
This announcement follows Governor Kundi’s recent visit to Dera Ismail Khan International Airport, where officials from the Pakistan Airports Authority updated him on ongoing rehabilitation efforts. The airport has been closed since 2015, but runway resurfacing has been completed, with remaining work nearing completion.
Kundi also shared plans for the proposed Green Field International Airport in Dera Ismail Khan, which will cover over 1,700 acres and is projected to handle more than one million passengers annually, significantly enhancing the region’s aviation capacity.
