The Punjab government is set to launch its own carrier, Punjab Airlines, in April, with an initial fleet of seven passenger aircraft to begin domestic operations in the first phase, official sources said.
Read More: CM Maryam orders early launch of Air Punjab project
The airline initiative is being spearheaded by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s administration, which aims to establish a provincial carrier operating within Pakistan for the first two years before expanding to international routes. Sources said preparations were progressing rapidly to ensure the airline becomes operational next month.
پنجابیوں کے لئے خوشخبری👇
حکومت پنجاب کی پنجاب ائیر لائن کی پہلی پرواز اپریل سے شروع ہوگی، پہلے مرحلے میں 7 جہاز خریدنے کا فیصلہ کیا گیا، 2 سال تک اندرون ملک اور پھر بین الاقوامی پروازیں شروع ہونگیں۔
شکریہ چیف منسٹر🙌 pic.twitter.com/s0Ma7RHFIa— چوہدری شاہد محمود (@CSMR786) February 18, 2026
Officials added that the chief minister’s existing helicopter will be incorporated into Punjab Airlines as its first asset. Under the plan, Maryam Nawaz will travel on the airline’s aircraft instead of using a separate dedicated government plane, and all provincial ministers and officials will also use the carrier for official travel.
Authorities said the project is being structured to avoid placing an additional financial burden on the provincial treasury. Both existing and newly acquired aircraft will be deployed for commercial passenger services to generate revenue, with government travel treated on a full-fare basis.
According to sources, when the chief minister uses a Punjab Airlines aircraft, the government will pay the complete ticket cost, ensuring that official use does not affect the airline’s commercial viability. The dual-use model is intended to maximise fleet utilisation and profitability while supporting public sector travel needs.
Punjab Airlines is expected to initially serve major domestic routes linking provincial capitals and key cities. After two years of domestic operations, the airline plans to expand into regional and international destinations, subject to regulatory approvals and operational readiness.
Read More: Punjab CM approves Pakistan’s first provincial airline ‘Air Punjab‘
Officials said the initiative reflects the Punjab government’s broader effort to modernise transport infrastructure and improve connectivity, while creating a commercially sustainable aviation entity owned by the province.