Asian – Dispatch

Saudi Arabia’s newest national carrier, Riyadh Air, is set to launch its first-ever flights to Pakistan in August 2026, marking a major expansion of its international network and strengthening air links between the two countries.

The airline opened bookings for its Pakistan routes on July 30 and will operate both services using its state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

The first route will connect Riyadh and Islamabad from August 14, 2026, with daily (seven weekly) flights between the two capitals. Four days later, on August 18, Riyadh Air will begin three weekly flights between Riyadh and Lahore.

Flight Schedule

Riyadh – Islamabad

• Launch Date: August 14, 2026
• Frequency: Daily (7 weekly flights)
• Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

Riyadh – Lahore

• Launch Date: August 18, 2026
• Frequency: Three weekly flights
• Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

The new routes are expected to significantly improve connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, providing more travel options for overseas Pakistanis, business travelers, tourists, and Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.

Riyadh Air, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), is a key part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to transform the country into a global aviation hub. The airline plans to serve more than 100 international destinations by the end of the decade and is rapidly expanding its global network.

Pakistan is one of Riyadh Air’s most important regional markets due to the large Pakistani expatriate community living in Saudi Arabia and the strong demand for year-round travel between the two countries. The launch of direct flights is expected to boost tourism, trade, and economic ties while increasing competition on Pakistan-Saudi Arabia routes.

Source: Bloom Pakistan