As Air Karachi formally began operations at the city’s historic Old Airport, Pakistan’s aviation industry welcomed a new era. At the event, a private airline that seeks to revive Karachi’s reputation as the nation’s aviation center made its debut.
According to Hanif Gohar, chairman of Air Karachi, the airline was founded by 42 partners working together, demonstrating a strong belief in Pakistan’s economic future. He explained that his idea for an airline based in Karachi was conceived almost twenty years ago, and that its current success represents tenacity and faith in the city’s potential.
The airline, which has a Rs 5 billion initial investment, intends to lease three aircraft for domestic use before branching out to regional routes.
Business leaders including Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, Arif Habib, SM Tanveer, Bashir Jan Muhammad, Khalid Tawab, Zubair Tufail, and Hamza Tabani are among the key shareholders supporting the venture.
At the ceremony, Defence Secretary Muhammad Ali congratulated Karachi’s business community for taking a bold step to boost the national economy. He assured the government’s full cooperation to strengthen the aviation sector and highlighted how collaboration between Air Karachi and PIA could improve efficiency across the industry.
Once it secures the Regular Public Transport (RPT) license from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, Air Karachi will begin commercial flights connecting major cities.
The launch is more than the rise of another airline—it reflects renewed optimism in Pakistan’s private-sector potential and Karachi’s enduring role as the gateway to the skies.
