KARACHI: Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, has opened public ticket sales for its new Pakistan services, announcing daily flights between Islamabad and Riyadh and three weekly flights between Lahore and Riyadh.
According to a press release issued on August 3, 2026, the first Islamabad service will commence on August 14, 2026, while the inaugural Lahore service will begin on August 18, 2026. The airline said the new direct connections are aimed at addressing growing travel demand between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh Air said the launch of Islamabad and Lahore services would support the cultural and economic ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, while strengthening the airline’s wider network across Asia.
The carrier will operate daily flights between Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and Islamabad International Airport. Flight RX0659 will depart Riyadh at 13:45 four times a week on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, while flight RX0661 will depart Riyadh at 20:10 three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
For Lahore, flight RX0675 from Riyadh to Allama Iqbal International Airport will operate three times a week at 13:40 on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. All timings are local.
The new routes will be operated on Riyadh Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which the airline said would feature its latest cabin interiors and onboard experience.
The airline said the Lahore-Riyadh and Islamabad-Riyadh routes had been planned to provide smooth onward connectivity to Europe and the Middle East, serving both business and leisure travellers from Pakistan. It said the services would also cater to the Pakistani expatriate community in Saudi Arabia and meet demand for business, work and family travel.
As Saudi Arabia’s capital and commercial centre, Riyadh offers Pakistani travellers access to business opportunities, modern attractions, entertainment and the country’s expanding economic landscape, the airline said. Riyadh Air added that the services would also position Riyadh as a key transport hub for passengers travelling onwards from Islamabad and Lahore to domestic and European destinations.
Flight schedule, local time, as released by the airline:
RX0659: King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh, to Islamabad International Airport. Inaugural flight: August 14. Departure: 13:45. Arrival: 20:00. Frequency: four times a week, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
RX0660: Islamabad International Airport to King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh. Inaugural flight: August 14. Departure: 21:30. Arrival: 00:00 the next day. Frequency: four times a week, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
RX0661: King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh, to Islamabad International Airport. Inaugural flight: August 15. Departure: 20:10. Arrival: 02:25 the next day. Frequency: three times a week, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
RX0662: Islamabad International Airport to King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh. Inaugural flight: August 16. Departure: 04:25. Arrival: 06:50. Frequency: three times a week, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
RX0675: King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh, to Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore. Inaugural flight: August 18. Departure: 13:40. Arrival: 19:50. Frequency: three times a week, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
RX0676: Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore, to King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh. Inaugural flight: August 18. Departure: 21:20. Arrival: 00:00 the next day. Frequency: three times a week, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Riyadh Air said updated schedules could be checked at riyadhair.com.
The airline said its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners would offer Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. The onboard features include 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.
Passengers can also join Sfeer, Riyadh Air’s loyalty programme. The airline said Sfeer members would receive a Best Offer Guarantee, no points expiry and complimentary onboard Wi-Fi. Early members will join The Founders club, with priority access to bookings on new routes and other benefits.
Riyadh Air is wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund and is based in Riyadh. Since its launch in March 2023, the airline has said it is building a modern and efficient fleet while focusing on responsible operations and thoughtful innovation. By 2030, Riyadh Air aims to connect passengers to more than 100 destinations worldwide.
