Riyadh Air has officially expanded its network into Pakistan by opening ticket sales for new services connecting Riyadh with Islamabad and Lahore, marking another milestone in the airline’s rapid growth across Asia.
Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier announced that daily flights between Riyadh and Islamabad will begin on August 14, 2026, while three weekly flights between Riyadh and Lahore will commence on August 18, 2026.
The expansion strengthens air connectivity between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia while supporting growing demand from business travellers, tourists, and the large Pakistani expatriate community living in the Kingdom.
Daily Islamabad Flights and Lahore Services Begin This Month
Public ticket sales for both routes are now open.
Under the initial schedule, Riyadh Air will operate:
- Daily flights between Riyadh and Islamabad from August 14, 2026
- Three weekly flights between Riyadh and Lahore from August 18, 2026
The airline said the new routes have been designed to provide seamless onward connections through Riyadh to destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia’s domestic network.
The expansion also aims to facilitate family visits, labour mobility, business travel, and tourism between the two countries.
Pakistan Becomes Key Part of Riyadh Air’s Asian Expansion
The launch of Islamabad and Lahore services forms an important part of Riyadh Air’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence across Asia.
The airline said the new routes support the longstanding cultural and economic relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan while reinforcing Riyadh’s position as an emerging global aviation hub.
For Pakistani travellers, the new services will provide additional options for connecting to Europe and other international destinations through Riyadh, reducing travel times and expanding connectivity.
Officials noted that the routes are expected to serve both leisure and corporate travellers as well as the sizeable Pakistani diaspora residing in Saudi Arabia.
Modern Boeing 787-9 Fleet to Serve Pakistan Routes
Passengers travelling on the new Pakistan routes will fly aboard Riyadh Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
The aircraft will feature four cabin classes:
- Business Elite
- Business
- Premium Economy
- Economy
According to the airline, passengers can expect ergonomic seating, enhanced privacy, advanced in-flight entertainment powered by Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova platform, wireless audio connectivity, improved onboard dining, Saudi-made Kayanee amenities, children’s Disney travel kits, and a wellness programme designed to improve passenger comfort on long-haul flights.
Sfeer Loyalty Programme Offers Additional Benefits
Alongside the route launch, Riyadh Air is promoting its loyalty programme, Sfeer, for travellers using the new Pakistan services.
The programme’s name combines the Arabic word for “Ambassador” with the English word “sphere,” reflecting the airline’s vision of building a global travel community.
Members receive several benefits, including:
- Best Offer Guarantee
- No expiry on loyalty points
- Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
- Priority access to bookings on newly launched routes for Founders Club members
The airline said the programme is designed to reward frequent travellers while enhancing the overall customer experience.
Pakistan-Saudi Air Connectivity Continues to Grow
The launch of Islamabad and Lahore flights reflects the continued expansion of air connectivity between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, one of the country’s most important travel and employment corridors.
The new services are expected to benefit business travellers, overseas Pakistanis, tourists, and passengers connecting onward to Europe and the Middle East through Riyadh.
As Riyadh Air continues expanding its international network, Pakistan has become one of the airline’s early strategic markets, underlining the strong economic and people-to-people ties between the two countries.