The Pakistani Prime Minister Imram Khan has granted approval for start-up airline AirSial (PF, Karachi International), Dawn TV has reported. The airline intends to launch operations in 2019.
The start-up is owned by the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industries and will operate out of Sialkot in cooperation with local businesses. So far, no further business plans have been revealed.
Air Sial initially planned to launch by the end of 2016.
Sialkot is one of Pakistan's most industrialised cities and, as such, is a key hub for the country's import and export flows. The airport in this north-eastern city currently sees 54 weekly scheduled departures, mostly to the Gulf countries, as well as domestically to Karachi International. Sialkot is set to see its first European route to Paris CDG via Barcelona El Prat, operated by PIA - Pakistan International Airlines, as of January 19, 2019.
