Riyadh Air Begins Pakistan Operations With Inaugural Islamabad Flight
Saudi carrier launches daily Riyadh-Islamabad service, strengthening direct air connectivity between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia
ISLAMABAD: Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, has officially commenced operations in Pakistan with its inaugural flight arriving at Islamabad International Airport from Riyadh on Friday evening, marking the airline’s entry into the Pakistani market.
Inaugural Flight Arrives in Islamabad
Flight RX-660 landed at Islamabad International Airport carrying 69 passengers and received a ceremonial water salute upon arrival. The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) subsequently hosted an inauguration ceremony at the airport.
Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki attended the ceremony as chief guest, alongside PAA Director General Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, senior government officials and Riyadh Air representatives.
New Direct Link Between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia
Officials said the new service would provide an additional direct link between the two countries, facilitating passenger travel and strengthening cooperation in the aviation sector. The Saudi ambassador also highlighted the role of improved air connectivity in further strengthening Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations.
The inauguration included ribbon-cutting and cake-cutting ceremonies, while Riyadh Air management briefed participants on the airline’s expansion plans and its future growth in Pakistan.
Following the ceremony, the inaugural flight departed Islamabad at 9:56pm carrying 272 passengers, according to reports citing the PAA.
Daily Riyadh-Islamabad Flights
Riyadh Air is expected to operate seven flights a week between Riyadh and Islamabad, providing passengers with a new daily direct travel option between the two capitals. The airline is also scheduled to begin three weekly flights between Riyadh and Lahore from August 18.
The launch comes amid strong travel links between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, with the new service expected to support passenger movement, business travel and people-to-people contacts while expanding aviation connectivity between the two countries.
