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The Punjab government has officially approved the creation of Air Punjab (Private) Limited, marking a historic step toward establishing the province’s first government-backed airline aimed at improving regional connectivity and offering affordable travel options across Pakistan.
For years, Pakistan’s domestic aviation industry has been dominated by private carriers and the national flag carrier, PIA. However, growing passenger demand and limited affordable routes within Punjab prompted the provincial government to explore its own airline initiative to strengthen air travel infrastructure and boost economic mobility.
The decision to establish Air Punjab was finalized during a Punjab cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, where several development programs were also approved. According to officials, the new airline will operate under provincial management and focus on low-cost, reliable air services connecting Punjab’s major cities with other parts of Pakistan.
A senior government spokesperson said,
“Air Punjab will not only improve transportation within the province but also create new employment opportunities and support tourism and trade.”
Alongside this landmark decision, the cabinet also approved the recruitment of School Teacher Interns to address staff shortages, endorsed the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance 2025, and greenlit several initiatives, including:
- Hi-Tech Farm Mechanization Finance Program for farmers
- QR code rollout for retailers under the Prime Minister’s Cashless Strategy
- MoU approval for the Lahore–Rawalpindi High-Speed Rail Project
Broader Impact
Analysts view this move as part of Punjab’s broader development vision under CM Maryam Nawaz, combining modern transport, education reform, and economic digitalization. Once operational, Air Punjab is expected to increase regional flight accessibility, reduce intercity travel time, and potentially encourage competition in the domestic aviation sector.
