Air Indus set to resume flights after 11 year service suspension

KARACHI: Air Indus is preparing to restart its flight operations after suspending services for more than 11 years, with the airline planning to launch domestic flights from Karachi before expanding its network to Gulf destinations.

The airline announced that it is completing preparations to resume operations with a fleet of narrow body aircraft and ATR 72-600 turbo-prop planes. Air Indus stopped flying on July 1, 2015, but now aims to return to Pakistan’s aviation market with a renewed focus on safety, punctuality and passenger services.

According to details shared by the airline, the first phase of operations will focus on domestic routes. Air Indus will begin flights from its Karachi hub, including three daily flights between Karachi and Islamabad and two daily flights between Karachi and Lahore.

The airline also plans to connect Karachi with several other Pakistani cities, including Peshawar, Sialkot, Quetta, Gwadar, Faisalabad, Multan and Skardu. It will also operate flights between Quetta and Islamabad as part of its initial expansion plan.

Air Indus said the return of its domestic services is aimed at improving air connectivity across Pakistan and providing passengers with more travel options. The airline added that maintaining reliable schedules and improving customer experience will remain key priorities.

In the second phase, Air Indus plans to expand internationally by launching flights to major Gulf destinations. The proposed routes include flights from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar to cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Doha, Kuwait City and Muscat.

The airline said the aircraft selection was based on factors including fuel efficiency, reliability, passenger comfort and operational performance. Air Indus described its relaunch as the result of detailed planning and said it aims to offer improved air travel services for passengers across Pakistan.