The Quetta Turbat Flight began operations on Thursday as South Airlines launched its first domestic service between the two cities, marking a major milestone for air connectivity in Balochistan.

Balochistan Governor Jafar Khan Mandokhail inaugurated the maiden flight and described the new route as an important step toward ending years of travel isolation across the province.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the governor said the service formed part of a wider plan to connect Balochistan’s remote districts with the rest of Pakistan.

He said the new domestic route complemented recently launched international flights from Quetta to Jeddah and Zahedan.

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Mandokhail also announced that the government was working with aviation authorities to introduce regular flights to Zhob and Panjgur.

The governor said authorities aimed to provide every resident of Balochistan with fast, safe and affordable air travel.

After seeing strong passenger demand on the inaugural flight, he urged South Airlines and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to expand their network quickly.

He called for new routes linking Zhob with Islamabad, Multan and Dera Ismail Khan. He also requested direct flights between Panjgur, Karachi and Quetta.

Local representatives welcomed the launch and described it as a long-awaited improvement to the province’s transport network.

Provincial Education Minister Rahila Hameed Khan Durrani said the new service would help address the transportation difficulties that residents had faced for years.

MPA Rahmat Saleh Baloch said reliable air travel would provide a safer alternative to long and often hazardous road journeys across Balochistan.

He also thanked government authorities for supporting infrastructure development in southern Balochistan.

The inauguration ceremony also marked the opening of South Airlines’ new regional office.

Officials expressed confidence that stronger air connectivity would boost economic activity, improve mobility and support development across the province.