Riyadh Air Officially Starts Pakistan Operations With First Islamabad Flight

Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, Riyadh Air, has officially started operations in Pakistan, marking a significant expansion of its international network and creating a new direct air link between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

The airline’s inaugural flight, RX-660, arrived at Islamabad International Airport from Riyadh on Friday, August 14, carrying 69 passengers. The aircraft received a ceremonial water salute upon arrival, marking Riyadh Air’s first-ever landing in Pakistan.

Daily Riyadh-Islamabad Flights

Riyadh Air is expected to operate seven flights per week between Riyadh and Islamabad, giving passengers a daily option between the two capitals. The new service adds capacity to one of the busiest air corridors connecting Pakistan with Saudi Arabia.

The route is expected to serve a broad mix of travelers, including:

• Pakistani workers living in Saudi Arabia
• Families traveling between the two countries
• Business travelers
• Religious pilgrims
• Leisure travelers

Saudi Arabia is home to more than two million Pakistanis, making Pakistan an important market for the Kingdom's aviation sector.

A New Chapter in Air Connectivity

The launch was marked by an inauguration ceremony at Islamabad International Airport attended by Saudi Ambassador Nawaf Bin Said Al-Malki, Pakistan Airports Authority officials and Riyadh Air representatives.

Officials described the new service as an important step toward strengthening connectivity and cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Key takeaway: Riyadh Air's arrival gives passengers another direct airline option on the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia market while supporting Saudi Arabia's ambitions to develop Riyadh as a major global aviation hub.

Lahore Flights Coming Next

Riyadh Air's Pakistan expansion will not stop at Islamabad.

The airline is scheduled to launch three weekly Riyadh-Lahore flights from August 18, 2026, providing another direct connection between Pakistan's major population centers and the Saudi capital.

Both the Islamabad and Lahore services are planned to use Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with four cabin classes:

Business Elite | Business | Premium Economy | Economy

Riyadh Air's Flights from Pakistan 

Riyadh Air's entry comes as Saudi Arabia aggressively expands its aviation network under Vision 2030.

For Pakistani travelers, Riyadh can increasingly serve as a connecting point for onward journeys to destinations across the Middle East, Europe and other international markets. The airline's growing network is designed to support Riyadh's development as a major international aviation hub.

What Travelers Should Know

With Riyadh Air now operating in Pakistan and other airlines also serving Saudi routes, travelers could have greater choice when comparing fares, schedules, baggage allowances and cabin options for Pakistan-Saudi Arabia journeys.