Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier began its daily non-stop flights between Riyadh and Islamabad starting August 14 – coinciding with Pakistan’s Independence Day – with Lahore services following on August 18
By Rafiq Vayani
RIYADH/ISLAMABAD: 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. 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.
Beyond bilateral movement, the new route leverages Riyadh’s growing status as a major aviation and logistics hub, providing Pakistani passengers with streamlined onward transit through the airlines growing network.
Flight schedule, all local time: (refer to riyadhair.com for updated schedules):
Islamabad
Flight # Inaugural From Depart To Arrive Freq
1 RX0659Aug 14 King Khalid International Airport (RUH) 13:45 Islamabad International Airport (ISB) 20:00 4 X (Sun, Mon, Wed, Fri)2 RX0660 Aug 14 Islamabad International Airport (ISB) 21:30 King Khalid International Airport (RUH) 00:00 (+1) 4 X (Sun, Mon, Wed, Fri)3 RX0661Aug 15 King Khalid International Airport (RUH) 20:10 Islamabad International Airport (ISB) 02:25 (+1) 3 X (Tue, Thu, Sat)4 RX0662Aug 16 Islamabad International Airport (ISB) 04:25 (+1) King Khalid International Airport (RUH) 06:50 3 X (Wed, Fri, Sun)
Lahore
Flight # Inaugural From Depart To Arrive Freq.
1 RX0675 Aug 18 King Khalid International Airport (RUH) 13:40 Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) 19:50 3 X (Tue, Thu, Sat)
2 RX0676 Aug 18 Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) 21:20 King Khalid International Airport (RUH) 00:00 (+1) 3 X (Tue, Thu, Sat)
Ticket purchases for these routes can be made from today through the Riyadh Air App, Riyadh Air website at www.riyadhair.com, or through preferred travel providers and platforms. Guests are also invited to become Founding Members of the airline’s loyalty program, Sfeer, ensuring a ‘Best Offer Guarantee’ and free Wi-Fi while earning rewards from their very first flight.
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.