Air Karachi, Pakistan’s newest private airline, has officially been launched at a ceremony held at Karachi’s Old Airport, marking a major milestone for the country’s aviation sector. The event, reported by ARY News, was attended by prominent business figures and government officials, signaling strong support for the airline’s entry into the market.
Air Karachi Chairman Hanif Gohar announced that the airline was founded by 42 partners, reflecting a shared commitment to revive Karachi’s legacy as the heart of Pakistan’s aviation industry. “We had pledged to launch a new airline under Karachi’s name, and today we have fulfilled that promise,” Gohar stated, highlighting the years-long effort that began with his first license application back in 2006.
He expressed gratitude to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his vision to strengthen investment and economic revival in Pakistan, noting that Air Karachi aligns with the broader goal of boosting local industries and creating new employment opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Secretary of Defence Muhammad Ali congratulated the Karachi business community for taking the initiative, saying that their collective effort “has once again brought pride to the country.” He emphasized the government’s support for private investment in the aviation industry, assuring that all new and existing airlines would receive assistance to ensure a healthy and competitive environment.
The Defence Secretary also confirmed that Air Karachi’s collaboration with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) would bring mutual benefits, improving operational efficiency and overall service quality within the national aviation sector.
In February 2025, Air Karachi submitted an application to the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) for a Regular Public Transport (RPT) license, which is required to commence passenger flight operations across domestic routes. According to sources, the PCAA will issue the license after receiving formal approval from the federal government.
Once the license is granted, Air Karachi plans to begin operations on key domestic routes, with plans for future expansion. The airline is already registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and will launch with an initial investment of Rs. 5 billion, with each shareholder contributing Rs. 50 million.
The launch of Air Karachi marks a significant boost for Pakistan’s aviation landscape, signaling renewed investor confidence and promising increased competition, improved service quality, and enhanced connectivity for travelers across the country.
