Riyadh Air Inaugurates its First Direct Flights to Pakistan | aviationbizz.com
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new full-service national carrier, has expanded its international footprint into South Asia with the landing of its inaugural flight to Islamabad International Airport (ISB).
The landmark arrival took place on August 14, carrying special cultural and diplomatic significance as Pakistan celebrated its 79th Independence Day.
The daily capital-to-capital service between King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh and Islamabad International Airport (ISB) will be operated across two flight timings: RX0659, departing Riyadh at 13:45 four times a week on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and RX0661, departing Riyadh at 20:10 three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Flight RX0675 from Riyadh (RUH) to Lahore (LHE), scheduled to begin on August 18, will operate three times a week at 13:40 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. All times are local. The new routes will be served by Riyadh Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, featuring the airline’s latest cabin interiors and onboard experience.
To mark the launch, inaugural ceremonies were held at both King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and Islamabad International Airport (ISB). The Riyadh ceremony was attended by H.E. Ahmed Farooq, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Mr. Osamah Alfawaz, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Riyadh Airports Company. The Islamabad ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including 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 (PCAA); Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, SI(M), Director General of the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA); 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 centers reflects the longstanding and close relationship between the two countries – a bond anchored in shared faith, diplomatic cooperation, and extensive economic ties.
With over two million Pakistani expatriates contributing across the Kingdom’s healthcare, technology, finance, and construction sectors, as well as thousands of pilgrims travelling annually to Saudi Arabia for religious travel, the route addresses a vital need for reliable, direct connectivity. The daily service similarly offers families and travelers a premium, hassle-free journey home, while providing Saudi-based institutions direct access to Islamabad’s diplomatic and commercial centers.
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