ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) expressed optimism over substantial revenue gains on Saturday as a Chinese logistics company officially launched flight operations to Islamabad.
SF Cargo, a subsidiary of one of China’s largest logistics and courier firms, has established a new air cargo route linking Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and Islamabad.
According to a report in Pakistani state media earlier this month, the air corridor is expected to facilitate cross-border e-commerce and other trade goods, strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
“SF Cargo has officially commenced its flight operations at Islamabad International Airport,” the PAA said in a statement, adding the service would operate twice a week initially, with plans to expand to four weekly flights in the foreseeable future.
“This development is expected to generate substantial revenue growth through cargo throughput charges,” it added. “Additionally, it may open new export channels to Urumqi, offering local exporters enhanced access to the Chinese market.”
The statement said each flight operated by the Chinese firm will carry approximately 22,775 kilograms of cargo, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s air freight sector.
China and Pakistan maintain close economic and strategic relations, with both sides promoting trade and infrastructure development.
While large-scale projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) remain central to their cooperation, both governments have increasingly encouraged private-sector-led initiatives to deepen bilateral commerce.
Pakistan eyes revenue boost as Chinese cargo firm formally launches flights to Islamabad
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Pakistan eyes revenue boost as Chinese cargo firm formally launches flights to Islamabad
- The air corridor linking Urumqi and Islamabad is expected to promote cross-border e-commerce
- The airports authority says SF Cargo’s initiative will also strengthen Pakistan’s air freight sector
Pakistan extends ban on Indian-registered aircraft through January, aviation authority says
- Move marks the seventh extension of the ban after a gun attack in Indian-administered Kashmir
- It has forced Indian airlines to reroute flights, raising fuel use, travel times and operating costs
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan extended a ban on Indian-registered aircraft from using its airspace until late January, it said on Wednesday, prolonging restrictions that have disrupted flight routes for Indian airlines.
Pakistan first imposed the restriction on April 24 as part of a series of tit-for-tat measures announced by both countries days after an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that New Delhi blamed on Pakistan. Islamabad denied any involvement and called for a credible, international investigation into the attack, which killed 26 tourists.
Tensions escalated after India targeted several sites in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, triggering intense missile, drone and artillery exchanges before a ceasefire brokered by the United States took effect on May 10.
“Pakistan’s airspace will continue to remain closed for Indian-registered aircraft,” the Pakistan Airports Authority said in a statement.
“The restriction will remain in effect from December 25, 2025, to January 27, 2026,” it continued. “The restriction will apply to aircraft owned, operated or leased by Indian airlines, including military flights.”
This marks the seventh extension of the ban, which has forced Indian airlines to reroute international flights, increasing fuel consumption, travel times and operating costs.
Earlier this month, Pakistan accused India of blocking humanitarian assistance destined for Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah, saying a special Pakistani aircraft carrying aid was forced to wait more than 60 hours for overflight clearance.
Pakistan later sent relief supplies and rescue teams to the island nation by sea, officials said.
