- New Daily Islamabad Service Takes Off on Pakistan’s Independence Day, with Lahore Flights to Follow
RIYADH: Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new full-service national carrier, has expanded its international network to South Asia with the launch of its inaugural direct flights between Riyadh and Islamabad, marking a significant milestone in air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
The first flight arrived at Islamabad International Airport on August 14, Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, adding special significance to the launch. The airline will commence direct services to Lahore on August 18, further expanding connectivity between the two countries.
The new routes are being operated with Riyadh Air’s state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, featuring the airline’s latest cabin interiors and premium onboard experience.
Daily Riyadh-Islamabad Connectivity
The new Riyadh-Islamabad service connects King Khalid International Airport (RUH) with Islamabad International Airport (ISB) through seven weekly flights across two schedules.
Flight RX0659 departs Riyadh at 13:45 on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while RX0661 operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, departing Riyadh at 20:10. Return services are scheduled accordingly to provide convenient travel options for passengers between the two capitals.
Beginning August 18, Riyadh Air will also operate three weekly flights between Riyadh and Lahore, with flight RX0675 departing Riyadh at 13:40 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
A New Air Bridge Between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan
The launch reinforces the longstanding and multifaceted relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, while responding to strong demand for direct and reliable air connectivity.
With more than two million Pakistani expatriates living and working across Saudi Arabia, along with large numbers of pilgrims travelling between the two countries each year, the new services are expected to provide greater convenience for families, business travellers, professionals and religious visitors.
The routes will also facilitate stronger commercial and institutional links, connecting Pakistan’s major cities directly with Riyadh and providing passengers with convenient onward connections through Riyadh Air’s expanding international network.
High-Level Ceremonies Mark Historic Launch
Special inaugural ceremonies were held at both King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Islamabad International Airport to mark the launch.
The Riyadh ceremony was attended by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, H.E. Ahmed Farooq, and Osamah Alfawaz, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Riyadh Airports Company.
The Islamabad ceremony brought together senior Pakistani and Saudi officials, aviation authorities and Riyadh Air executives, including H.E. Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; Lieutenant General (Retd.) Muhammad Ali, Secretary Defence and Chairperson of the Civil Aviation Authority Board; Major General Qaisar Suleman, Additional Secretary (Aviation), Aviation Division; Shazia Rizvi, Joint Secretary (Aviation), Aviation Division; Nadir Shafi Dar, Director General of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority; and Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, Director General of the Pakistan Airports Authority.
Premium Travel Experience on Boeing 787-9
Riyadh Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners offer passengers a premium travel experience across Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
The onboard experience includes ergonomic seating, enhanced privacy and storage, advanced inflight entertainment powered by Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova system, modern connectivity, wireless listening, elevated dining and Saudi-made Kayanee amenities.
Families travelling with children can also benefit from specially designed Disney kits, while Riyadh Air’s five-sense wellness programme is designed to enhance passenger comfort throughout the journey.
Sfeer Loyalty Programme Offers Exclusive Benefits
Passengers travelling on the new routes can also join Sfeer, Riyadh Air’s loyalty programme, which offers a range of exclusive benefits and rewards.
Founding members will receive a “Best Offer Guarantee,” complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, no points expiry and opportunities to earn rewards from their first flight. Early members will also have access to the airline’s Founders Club, including priority access to bookings on newly launched routes and other exclusive benefits.
Tickets for the Riyadh-Islamabad and Riyadh-Lahore routes are available through the Riyadh Air mobile application, the airline’s official website and selected travel providers and booking platforms.
The launch of direct services to Islamabad and Lahore marks another important step in Riyadh Air’s ambition to build a seamless global network while strengthening Riyadh’s position as a leading international aviation and connectivity hub.
BY: Nadeem Faisal Baiga
