South Air plans daily flights to DI Khan, regular Chitral operations

WEB DESK: South Air has announced plans to launch flight operations connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan and Chitral with other parts of the country, as the private airline prepares to begin nationwide services this month.

The announcement was made during a meeting between South Air Chairman Kanwar Muhammad Tariq and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday.

According to a statement issued by the governor’s office, Tariq said the airline intended to operate daily flights to Dera Ismail Khan, describing the city as a key destination in its network, according to Dawn News.

Focus on underserved regions

Tariq said South Air would also introduce regular flights to Chitral as part of its broader objective of linking small and remote areas to Pakistan’s air transport network. He added that the airline had completed all operational, technical and administrative preparations ahead of the commencement of services.

The airline also plans to operate flights from Peshawar to Karachi and Quetta, alongside daily services between Peshawar and Lahore. South Air last week conducted its first trial flight from Karachi to Gwadar, a move aimed at improving air connectivity in the coastal region.

Governor Kundi assured the airline of full support for its planned operations in Dera Ismail Khan and Chitral, expressing confidence that the new services would prove successful in the province.

Aviation seen as catalyst for growth

During the meeting, Kundi stressed that improved air connectivity was essential for promoting tourism and business activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which he described as Pakistan’s tourism hub. He noted that several important areas of the province still lacked adequate aviation facilities.

The governor said flights linking Peshawar with Karachi, Lahore and Quetta would help stimulate economic activity, while the entry of new airlines would create employment opportunities and support tourism and commerce across the province.

The development comes days after Kundi visited Dera Ismail Khan International Airport, where officials from the Pakistan Airports Authority briefed him on rehabilitation work at the facility.

The airport has remained closed since 2015, though runway carpeting has been completed and the remaining work is expected to be finalised soon.

Kundi also said the proposed Green Field International Airport in Dera Ismail Khan would span more than 1,700 acres and have the capacity to handle over one million passengers annually.