ISLAMABAD, Aug 15, 2026: Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new full-service national carrier, has expanded its international footprint into South Asia with the arrival of its inaugural flight at Islamabad International Airport.
The first flight landed on August 14, coinciding with Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, adding cultural and diplomatic significance to the launch of the airline’s direct operations to Pakistan.
The airline has started daily non-stop services between King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh, and Islamabad International Airport. The Riyadh-Islamabad service will operate in two schedules: flight RX0659 will depart Riyadh at 13:45 on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, arriving in Islamabad at 20:00, while flight RX0661 will depart Riyadh at 20:10 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, arriving in Islamabad at 02:25 the next day.
Return flights from Islamabad will include RX0660, departing at 21:30 on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and arriving in Riyadh at 00:00 the next day. Flight RX0662 will depart Islamabad at 04:25 the next day on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, arriving in Riyadh at 06:50.
Riyadh Air will also start its Lahore service on August 18. Flight RX0675 from Riyadh to Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore, will operate three times a week at 13:40 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, arriving at 19:50. The return flight RX0676 will depart Lahore at 21:20 and arrive in Riyadh at 00:00 the next day. All timings are local.
The new routes will be operated by Riyadh Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, featuring the airline’s latest cabin interiors and onboard experience.
Inaugural ceremonies were held at both King Khalid International Airport and Islamabad International Airport. The Riyadh ceremony was attended by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, H.E. Ahmed Farooq.
The Islamabad ceremony was attended by H.E. Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; Lieutenant General (Retd.) Muhammad Ali, HI(M), Secretary Defence and Chairperson, CAA Board, Pakistan Ministry of Defence; Major General Qaisar Suleman, HI(M), Additional Secretary (Aviation), Aviation Division, Pakistan Ministry of Defence; Ms. Shazia Rizvi, Joint Secretary (Aviation), Aviation Division, Pakistan Ministry of Defence; Mr. Nadir Shafi Dar, Director General of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority; Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, SI(M), Director General of the Pakistan Airports Authority; Mr. Sohail Babar Warraich, Deputy Secretary, Pakistan Ministry of Defence; aviation authority representatives from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia; and senior Riyadh Air executives.
The direct services between Riyadh and Pakistan’s major centres reflect the longstanding and close relationship between the two countries, anchored in shared faith, diplomatic cooperation and extensive economic ties.
According to the airline, the route serves an important travel need for more than two million Pakistani expatriates working across Saudi Arabia’s healthcare, technology, finance and construction sectors, as well as thousands of pilgrims travelling annually to the Kingdom for religious purposes.
The daily service is also aimed at families and travellers seeking direct connectivity, while providing Saudi-based institutions access to Islamabad’s diplomatic and commercial centres. The route is expected to support onward travel through Riyadh Air’s growing network as Riyadh strengthens its position as a major aviation and logistics hub.
Tickets for the routes are available through the Riyadh Air app, the airline’s website at www.riyadhair.com, and preferred travel providers and platforms. Passengers have also been invited to join Sfeer, the airline’s loyalty programme, as Founding Members.
Sfeer members will receive a ‘Best Offer Guarantee’, complimentary onboard Wi-Fi and rewards from their first flight. The airline said members will also have no points expiry, while early members will join The Founders club with priority access to bookings on new routes and other benefits.
Riyadh Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will offer Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. The onboard experience includes ergonomic seating, enhanced privacy and storage, Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova inflight entertainment system, mobile-first connectivity, wireless listening, elevated dining, Saudi-made Kayanee amenities, bespoke Disney kits for children and a five-sense wellness programme.
