Air Punjab Nears Completion: First Flight to Take Off from Lahore to Islamabad in March 2026

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has accelerated work on the much-anticipated **“Air Punjab”** project, marking a historic milestone in the province’s aviation sector. According to official sources, preparations for the airline have entered their final phase, with the **first flight scheduled for March 2026** from **Lahore to Islamabad**.

During a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Lahore, progress on the project was reviewed in detail. The initial phase of Air Punjab will include **six state-of-the-art aircraft**, which will be **leased** to launch **domestic operations**. The plan also envisions the introduction of **international flights** in later stages.

Sources confirmed that Maryam Nawaz is **personally overseeing the project** and has instructed that **all staff recruitments be made strictly on merit**, ensuring the inclusion of experienced aviation professionals and skilled personnel.

Air Punjab is part of the provincial government’s **long-term strategy** to provide **affordable, safe, and high-quality air travel** for citizens. The initiative is also expected to boost **economic activity, tourism, and employment opportunities** across the province.

Former Prime Minister **Nawaz Sharif** has voiced his full support for the initiative, stating, *“I advised Maryam Nawaz to launch a new airline that would make Punjab proud around the world.”*

Government officials say that implementation is progressing rapidly, and **Air Punjab is poised to become a landmark development**, not only for Punjab but for Pakistan’s entire aviation industry.