Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier Riyadh Air has officially started operations in Pakistan, opening a new direct air link between Riyadh and Islamabad.
The airline’s inaugural flight RX-660 arrived at Islamabad International Airport on Friday evening with 69 passengers. Pakistan Airports Authority said airport teams welcomed the aircraft with a ceremonial water salute as it taxied towards the terminal.
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The launch marks Riyadh Air’s first commercial service to Pakistan. The carrier is expected to operate seven flights per week between Riyadh and Islamabad, giving passengers a daily connection between the two capitals.
“Riyadh Air is expected to operate seven flights per week between Riyadh and Islamabad, providing an additional direct air link between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia,” the PAA said.
Inaugural Flight Gets Ceremonial Welcome
The PAA hosted an inauguration ceremony at Islamabad International Airport following the flight’s arrival.
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Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Bin Said Al-Malki attended as the chief guest. PAA Director General Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, senior government officials and Riyadh Air executives also joined the ceremony.
The Saudi ambassador highlighted the importance of the new service for longstanding Pakistan-Saudi relations. He also stressed its role in strengthening direct air connectivity between the two countries.
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Meanwhile, Zeeshan Saeed welcomed Riyadh Air’s entry into the Pakistani market. He highlighted the route’s potential to improve connectivity, facilitate passenger movement and expand cooperation in aviation.
Officials marked the launch with ribbon-cutting and cake-cutting ceremonies. Riyadh Air’s senior management also discussed future expansion plans and the potential for further growth in Pakistan.
Following the ceremony, RX-660 departed Islamabad at 9:56pm with 272 passengers onboard.
Riyadh Air Plans Further Pakistan Expansion
The Islamabad launch forms part of Riyadh Air’s wider expansion into Asia. The airline officially opened ticket sales for Islamabad, Lahore and Manila earlier this month.
Its Islamabad service started on August 14, while Lahore flights are scheduled to begin on August 18. Reports say the Lahore route will operate three times per week.
Riyadh Air is wholly owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. The airline plans to connect Riyadh with more than 100 destinations worldwide by the end of the decade.
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Pakistan represents an important market because Saudi Arabia hosts more than two million Pakistani nationals. Travel demand also comes from workers, families, businesses and religious pilgrims.
The PAA described the launch as an important milestone for bilateral aviation links.
“The commencement of Riyadh Air’s operations marks an important milestone in Pakistan-Saudi Arabia air connectivity and represents a positive development for bilateral relations and the aviation sector,” it said.
With daily Islamabad flights now underway and Lahore services next, Riyadh Air is positioning Pakistan as an important part of its growing international network.
