KARACHI: The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has suspended South Air airline’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) for operating commercial flights at private airfields, citing violations of aviation regulations.
According to an official letter issued to South Air CEO Nishat Fatima, the airline is no longer permitted to conduct commercial flight operations from the Talhar and Juzzak airfields in Saindak. The CAA stated that commercial flights are not allowed from private airfields under existing aviation rules.
The aviation regulator directed the airline to immediately halt commercial operations at both Talhar and Juzzak Airfield and warned that strict action would be taken in case of any violations.
The CAA further clarified that airlines intending to operate commercial flights from private airfields must first obtain a charter licence from the authority.
Following the regulatory action, the CAA has formally withdrawn South Air’s flight operation permission for commercial services at the Talhar and Juzzak private airfields.
Earlier, Pakistan’s new airline, South Air, officially commenced operations at Sukkur Airport. Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has announced the news via social media.
In a post, PAA said, “The inaugural ceremony, attended by the Honourable Commissioner Sukkur, included ribbon-cutting and cake-cutting ceremonies, followed by a warm welcome for passengers on the first scheduled flight.”
South Air successfully launched its first trial flight from Karachi to Gwadar on May 26.
According to a spokesperson for the private airline, improved connectivity between the Gwadar seaport and international airport could help transform the city into a modern commercial and transit hub where maritime and air transport complement each other.
Operating under the Tourism Promotion and Regional Integration (TPRI) Licence, the airline’s new services are expected to promote tourism, facilitate trade and strengthen regional integration by improving air connectivity across Pakistan.
The airline is launching its services with modern ATR 72-600 aircraft, which are widely used around the world for short- and medium-haul flights due to their fuel efficiency, operational effectiveness, and compliance with international safety standards.
