New Pakistan routes mark airline’s expansion into South Asian market
RIYADH: Riyadh Air has announced the launch of scheduled passenger services to Pakistan, introducing direct flights to Islamabad and Lahore as part of its expanding international network.
According to the airline’s announced schedule, daily flights between Riyadh and Islamabad will begin on August 14. In addition, Riyadh Air will start operating three weekly flights between Riyadh and Lahore from August 18.
The new services will be operated using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which the airline has selected for its long-haul and regional network expansion. The aircraft is designed to offer improved fuel efficiency, enhanced passenger comfort and greater operational range.
Routes strengthen travel and business links
The introduction of direct services is expected to improve air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, benefiting business travellers, tourists and the large Pakistani expatriate community living in the Kingdom.
The new routes are also expected to support growing trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Industry observers note that demand for travel between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan has remained strong due to employment, religious tourism and family visits.
With the addition of Islamabad and Lahore, Riyadh Air continues expanding its presence in key international markets as it builds its route network.
Operations to begin in August
Under the announced schedule, the Riyadh-Islamabad service will operate daily from August 14, while flights between Riyadh and Lahore will run three times each week starting August 18.
Passengers travelling on the new routes will be served by the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, which features modern cabin amenities and is intended to enhance the overall travel experience.
The launch of these services reflects Riyadh Air’s broader strategy to expand its global footprint while strengthening connectivity between Saudi Arabia and major destinations across Asia. The Pakistan routes are expected to play an important role in supporting increasing passenger demand and reinforcing aviation links between the two countries.
Riyadh Air starting flights for Pakistan with Boeing 787.
* Riyadh-Islamabad daily flight from August 14.
* Riyadh-Lahore three weekly flights from August 18. pic.twitter.com/LWmCiHtGNS— Pakistan Aviation News 🇵🇰 (@avpak3) July 31, 2026
