Aero Asia and Bhoja Air: Pakistan's Lost Airlines

Aero Asia International and Bhoja Air were two private Pakistani airlines that began operating in 1993 and no longer fly. They are examples of how hard it has been for private carriers to survive in Pakistan.

Aero Asia International

Aero Asia began operations in 1993 and flew domestic routes and some international services. It suspended operations in 2007, and sources differ slightly on the exact date.

Bhoja Air

Bhoja Air began domestic flights in 1993. It suspended operations around 2000, was relaunched around 2011, and ceased operating in 2012 after an accident and the loss of its licence. In April 2012 a Bhoja Air Boeing 737 crashed near Islamabad while approaching the airport in bad weather, killing everyone on board.

Lessons

These stories show why regulators check airlines’ finances, maintenance and training. For how travellers can assess risk, read are Pakistani airlines safe?.

More on Pakistan’s airlines

See Shaheen Air and the airlines guide.

General information only, not legal or safety advice. Details change; check with your airline and the relevant authority. See our editorial policy.