Air Karachi, the country’s latest addition to the aviation industry, is set to take off on March 23, 2026, marking its official entry into Pakistan’s domestic flight network.
The announcement was made at the inauguration ceremony of Air Karachi’s operations office at the Old Airport in Karachi, attended by high-profile dignitaries including PIA CEO Amir Hayat, Director General of Civil Aviation Nadir Shafiq, Secretary of Defense Lt. Gen. (Retd) Muhammad Ali, diplomats, and key business leaders.
In his remarks, Lt. Gen. (Retd) Muhammad Ali praised the initiative, saying,
“We are making efforts to take Pakistan to the position our founding leaders dreamt of.”
He emphasized the crucial role of Karachi’s business community in driving economic growth, adding that the government fully supports this private-sector-led aviation venture.
Air Karachi Chairman Hanif Gohar revealed that the airline was established through a collaboration of 42 businessmen united under a single vision to strengthen Pakistan’s aviation sector.
“We are 42 people who have created this airline for the country,” Gohar said, sharing that his journey began with an airline license application in 2009 — a dream that has finally come to life.
Gohar highlighted the contributions of Karachi’s business community in welfare, healthcare, and education, adding that the nation’s economic engine depends on their resilience.
Meanwhile, Air Karachi CEO AVM (Retd) Syed Imran Majid announced that the airline has signed an MoU with PIA for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services, ensuring high safety and technical standards.
Air Karachi has already obtained its Regular Public Transport (RPT) license and is in the process of acquiring three Airbus A320 aircraft. Talks are underway with other airlines for fleet and operational support.
Officials expressed optimism that Air Karachi’s launch will boost domestic connectivity, create jobs, and add competition to Pakistan’s aviation industry.
