CAA encourages private airlines to start flights to several Pakistani cities
The Director General of the Civil
Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced that private airlines will start
operating in several smaller Pakistani cities beginning next year, marking a
significant step forward for the country’s air transport sector.
This initiative is intended to offer
a faster and more convenient travel option for passengers who currently rely on
buses, trains, and cars for long-distance travel between northern and southern
Pakistan. The new air services are set to launch in the second quarter of 2025,
connecting cities such as Sukkur, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Gwadar to
Pakistan’s primary airports.
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In a press conference on Monday, CAA
Director General Nadir Shafi Dar highlighted the goal of enhancing connectivity
between major and secondary airports, thus making air travel more accessible
for citizens in both northern and southern regions of the country. He announced
that initial operations will begin with three small aircraft, each with a
seating capacity of 40 to 50 passengers, and will cater to the demand for
efficient mobility between these areas.
Dar emphasized that around 30
million people currently travel between the North and South of Pakistan by road
and rail each year, which demonstrates a strong demand for alternative
transportation. He noted that if the airline offers affordable fares, these
routes could become commercially viable while providing a faster, more
comfortable means of travel.
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Airports in cities such as Sukkur,
Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot, as well as Gwadar, Gilgit, and Skardu, will soon
offer regular air services, further integrating Pakistan’s regional transport
network. Dar expressed optimism that other airlines may follow this lead,
increasing air access across the nation.
“About 30 million passengers travel
between the North and the South each year via bus, train, or car,” Dar
remarked. “If the fares are reasonable, this new route could become highly
profitable.”
Additionally, Dar shared updates on
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), noting that a comprehensive audit of all
PIA aircraft has been completed following several technical incidents.
Source: https://www.techjuice.pk/