South Air has announced plans to launch new domestic flight routes connecting remote areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with major cities across Pakistan, aiming to improve regional air connectivity and support economic growth.
The airline plans to introduce daily flights to Dera Ismail Khan and regular services to Chitral, linking the province’s underserved regions with the national aviation network.
The expansion plan was shared by South Air Chairman Kanwar Muhammad Tariq during a meeting with Faisal Karim Kundi. He said Dera Ismail Khan would serve as an important hub for regional connectivity, while the planned Chitral flights would improve access to one of the country’s most remote districts.
In addition to the new routes, South Air intends to operate domestic flights connecting Peshawar with Karachi, Lahore, and Quetta.
According to the airline, all operational, technical, and administrative preparations required for nationwide flight operations have been completed. The company recently conducted a successful trial flight between Karachi and Gwadar as part of its domestic expansion plans.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi welcomed the initiative and pledged full support, stating that improved air connectivity would help promote tourism, trade, and investment across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He noted that several areas of the province still lack adequate aviation facilities and said the new routes could create employment opportunities and stimulate local economic activity.
The governor also highlighted ongoing rehabilitation work at Dera Ismail Khan International Airport, where runway carpeting has been completed and additional upgrades are underway. He further referred to plans for a proposed Green Field International Airport spanning more than 1,700 acres, with the capacity to handle over one million passengers annually.
