Punjab has officially greenlit the establishment of Air Punjab (Private) Limited, marking a historic milestone as Pakistan’s first government-backed provincial airline designed to deliver affordable regional air connectivity across the nation’s most populous province.
The groundbreaking decision received formal approval during a Punjab Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who has championed the initiative as part of a comprehensive provincial modernization strategy. The airline represents a significant departure from Pakistan’s traditional aviation landscape, currently dominated by private carriers and the struggling national flag carrier.
Operational Timeline and Initial Fleet
Provincial authorities confirmed that Air Punjab will commence operations within eight to twelve months, initially deploying four leased aircraft focused on domestic routes connecting Punjab’s major cities with other Pakistani destinations. The airline will prioritize affordability and reliability while maintaining international safety standards and operational excellence.
Chief Minister Nawaz directed authorities to secure four Airbus aircraft through leasing arrangements, with domestic flights launching initially and international operations planned after one year of successful domestic service.
Strategic Context and Market Position
The Air Punjab initiative emerged following the federal government’s unsuccessful privatization attempt of Pakistan International Airlines in November 2024, which received only a single bid of Rs10 billion—significantly below the Rs85 billion minimum threshold. This development prompted provincial leadership to explore independent aviation solutions addressing growing passenger demand and limited affordable travel options within Punjab.
Information Minister Azma Bokhari emphasized that Air Punjab will not only enhance transportation infrastructure but also generate substantial employment opportunities while supporting tourism and trade development throughout the region.
Comprehensive Development Portfolio
Beyond aviation expansion, the Cabinet session approved multiple transformative initiatives including recruitment of School Teacher Interns addressing educator shortages, endorsement of the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance 2025, and the Chief Minister’s Hi-Tech Farm Mechanization Finance Program.
Air Punjab represents Punjab’s commitment to infrastructure modernization and economic mobility, positioning the province as a leader in innovative public service delivery while addressing longstanding connectivity challenges facing residents and businesses across Pakistan’s economic heartland.
The airline’s success could establish a precedent for provincial aviation initiatives nationwide, fundamentally reshaping Pakistan’s domestic air travel landscape.
