Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, has officially started operations in Pakistan with the arrival of its inaugural flight RX-660 from Riyadh at Islamabad International Airport on Friday evening.
According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), the Riyadh Air flight landed at Islamabad International Airport carrying 69 passengers, marking the airline’s first-ever arrival in Pakistan.
The aircraft received a ceremonial water salute after arriving at the airport, followed by an inauguration ceremony organised by the PAA to officially mark the launch of Riyadh Air’s operations in Pakistan.
The entry of Riyadh Air into the Pakistani market is expected to strengthen direct air connectivity between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia while providing passengers with an additional travel option between the two countries.
Riyadh Air To Operate Seven Weekly Flights
Riyadh Air is expected to operate seven flights per week between Riyadh and Islamabad, providing a daily direct air connection between the Saudi capital and Pakistan’s capital.
The new service is expected to facilitate passenger movement between the two countries, particularly as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia maintain strong economic, social and cultural ties.
The launch also expands the presence of Saudi Arabia’s new airline in the South Asian aviation market.
The inaugural ceremony at Islamabad International Airport was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Bin Said Al-Malki, who served as the chief guest.
Pakistan Airports Authority Director General Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, senior government officials and senior representatives of Riyadh Air also attended the event.
Saudi Ambassador Highlights Stronger Air Connectivity
Speaking at the ceremony, Saudi Ambassador Nawaf Bin Said Al-Malki highlighted the importance of Riyadh Air’s inaugural service for strengthening the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
He said the new airline service would contribute to closer people-to-people connectivity and further strengthen aviation links between the two countries.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have maintained extensive bilateral relations, with thousands of Pakistanis travelling to Saudi Arabia for employment, business, religious purposes and family visits every year.
The additional direct service is therefore expected to support growing passenger demand between the two destinations.
PAA Welcomes Riyadh Air Launch
DG PAA Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed welcomed the commencement of Riyadh Air’s operations in Pakistan and described the new route as an important development for the aviation sector.
He highlighted the potential of the new air link to improve connectivity, facilitate passenger movement and encourage greater cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in aviation.
The inauguration ceremony featured a ribbon-cutting and cake-cutting ceremony to formally mark the airline’s entry into the Pakistani market.
Senior Riyadh Air management also attended the event and briefed participants about the airline’s future expansion plans and its potential for further growth in Pakistan.
Inaugural Flight Departs Islamabad With 272 Passengers
Following the inauguration ceremony, Riyadh Air’s inaugural flight departed from Islamabad International Airport at 9:56 p.m., carrying 272 passengers.
The difference between the number of passengers arriving on the inaugural flight and those departing from Islamabad reflects the passenger load for the return service.
The launch represents an important milestone for Riyadh Air in Pakistan, as the Saudi carrier begins regular operations between Riyadh and Islamabad.
The new service could also contribute to greater competition in the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia aviation market, giving travellers another direct option for journeys between the two countries.
For Pakistan’s aviation sector, the arrival of a new international carrier is also significant at a time when authorities are seeking to improve connectivity and attract additional international airlines.
New Route Strengthens Pakistan-Saudi Aviation Links
The launch of Riyadh Air’s Islamabad service comes against the backdrop of close Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations.
Saudi Arabia remains one of Pakistan’s most important destinations for overseas workers and religious travellers. Strong passenger demand between the two countries has created a substantial market for airlines operating direct routes.
With seven weekly flights, Riyadh Air’s new service is expected to provide additional capacity on the Riyadh-Islamabad route.