New direct connections address growing traffic between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia
By Rafiq Vayani
RIYADH/KARACHI: Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, today announced its network expansion into Pakistan with the launch of daily services between Islamabad and Riyadh and three times a week between Lahore and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Full public ticket sales for both destinations are now open, with the first flight to Islamabad commencing August14, 2026, followed by the inaugural service to Lahore on August18, 2026.
This dual launch establishes vital new connections that directly support the deep cultural and economic ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Islamic Republic of Pakistan, aligning with the airline’s mission to connect major global hubs while delivering an unparalleled travel and logistics experience.
Riyadh Air will operate daily flights between Riyadh (RUH) and Islamabad (ISB): flight RX0659 departs Riyadh at 13:45 four times a week (Sun, Mon, Wed, Fri), and flight RX0661 departs Riyadh at 20:10 three times a week (Tue, Thu, Sat). Flight RX0675 from Riyadh (RUH) to Lahore (LHE) will operate three times a week at 13:40 (Tue, Thu, Sat), all local time. The new routes will be operated on Riyadh Air’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, featuring the airline’s latest cabin interiors and onboard experience.
The addition of Islamabad and Lahore forms a core pillar of Riyadh Air’s growing footprint across Asia, further opening doors for international travel and commerce. The Lahore-Riyadh and Islamabad-Riyadh routes have been planned to offer smooth onward connectivity to Europe and the Middle East, catering to both business and leisure travelers from Pakistan. This important entry into Pakistan will also serve the significant Pakistani expatriate community in Saudi Arabia, meeting sustained demand for business, work and family travel.
As Saudi Arabia’s capital and commercial center, Riyadh offers guests from Pakistan new opportunities for business engagement and access to its modern attractions, vibrant entertainment, and burgeoning economic landscape. This enhanced connectivity enables visitors to explore the distinct appeal and opportunities of both capital cities. The service also positions Riyadh as a key transport hub, offering convenient onward connections for passengers travelling from Islamabad and Lahore to key domestic and European destinations.
Flight schedule (refer to riyadhair
com for updated schedules):
Flight # Inaugural From Depart To Arrive Freq. 1 RX0659 Aug 14 King Khalid International Airport (RUH) 13:45 Islamabad International Airport (ISB) 20:00 4X (Sun, Mon, Wed, Fri)
2 RX0660 Aug 14 Islamabad International Airport (ISB) 21:30 King Khalid International Airport (RUH) 00:00+1 4X (Sun, Mon, Wed, Fri)
3 RX0661 Aug 15 King Khalid International Airport (RUH) 20:10 Islamabad International Airport (ISB) 02:25+1 3X (Tue, Thu, Sat)
4 RX0662 Aug 16 Islamabad International Airport (ISB) 04:25 King Khalid International Airport (RUH) 06:50 3X (Tue, Thu, Sat)
5 RX0675 Aug 18 King Khalid International Airport (RUH) 13:40 Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) 19:50 3X (Tue, Thu, Sat)
6 RX0676 Aug 18 Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) 21:20 King Khalid International Airport (RUH) 00:00+1 3X (Tue, Thu, Sat)
A World-Class Travel Experience
Riyadh Air’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will deliver premium comfort across Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. Guests will experience ergonomic seating, enhanced privacy and storage, advanced inflight entertainment through Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova system, mobile-first connectivity, wireless listening, elevated dining, Saudi-made Kayanee amenities, bespoke Disney kits for children and a five-sense wellness program designed to help every guest arrive refreshed.
Sfeer: for a generation in motion
Guests can unlock exclusive benefits by joining Sfeer, Riyadh Air’s loyalty program. The name derives from the Arabic word for Ambassador and the English word sphere, reflecting the generous spirit of Saudi Arabia while building a global community of travelers. Members receive a Best Offer Guarantee, no points expiry and complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, while early members join The Founders club with priority access to bookings on new routes and other benefits.