New International Airline Launches Flights to Pakistan

New airline Riyadh Air has commenced its flight operations in Pakistan, with its first-ever flight touching down at Islamabad International Airport from Riyadh. According to the Pakistan Airports Authority, the Saudi airline's inaugural flight RX-660 carried 69 passengers and touched down in Islamabad on Friday evening. The Pakistan Airports Authority subsequently organized an inauguration ceremony at the airport, with Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, serving as the chief guest.

Riyadh Air plans to operate seven weekly flights between Riyadh and Islamabad, providing passengers with an additional direct link between the two capitals. The airline's entry into the Pakistani market comes as Saudi Arabia hosts more than two million Pakistanis, resulting in high demand for travel between the two nations. The flights cater to Pakistani workers, business travelers, families, and religious pilgrims who frequently travel between the two countries.

PAA Director General Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed expressed his welcome for Riyadh Air's presence in the Pakistani market, stating that the new service would enhance passenger connectivity and foster greater cooperation in the aviation sector. Riyadh Air, wholly owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, is set to become the Kingdom's new national carrier.

The airline aims to connect Riyadh with over 100 destinations worldwide by the end of the decade as Saudi Arabia pursues its Vision 2030 for aviation sector expansion. Following its arrival in Islamabad, the Riyadh Air aircraft subsequently departed for Riyadh, transporting 272 passengers.