{
  "id": 956834,
  "title": "Riyadh Air commences operations in Pakistan with inaugural flight to Islamabad",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/riyadh-air-commences-operations-in-pakistan-with-inaugural-flight-to",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-15T04:52:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40434940/riyadh-air-commences-operations-in-pakistan-with-inaugural-flight-to-islamabad"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's new national carrier, has begun its operations in Pakistan, marking its inaugural flight to Islamabad on Friday evening. The flight, designated RX-660, carried 69 passengers and arrived at Islamabad International Airport. The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced the arrival, stating that it marked the airline's first-ever visit to Pakistan. The airport witnessed a ceremonial water salute as the flight approached the terminal, symbolizing the significance of this new air link between the two nations.\n\nRiyadh Air is projected to conduct seven weekly flights between Riyadh and Islamabad, offering an additional direct air connection between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. To celebrate the inauguration, a ceremony was held at Islamabad International Airport, attended by the Saudi Ambassador H.E. Nawaf Bin Said Al-Malki, Director General PAA Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, senior government officials, and Riyadh Air's management. The Saudi Ambassador emphasized the importance of this service in bolstering the historical relations and air connectivity between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.\n\nDuring the inauguration ceremony, the ribbon was cut and a cake was sliced to officially launch the airline's operations. Riyadh Air's senior management also shared the airline's plans for future expansion and potential growth in the Pakistani market. Following the ceremony, flight RX-660 departed Islamabad International Airport at 09:56 p.m., carrying 272 passengers. This inauguration of Riyadh Air's operations represents a significant milestone in enhancing Pakistan-Saudi Arabia air connectivity and signifies a positive development for bilateral relations and the aviation sector.",
  "summary": "Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, has officially commenced its operations in Pakistan with the arrival of its inaugural flight RX-660 from Riyadh at Islamabad International Airport on Friday evening, according to a Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) statement. The flight arrived with 69 passengers and was received with a ceremonial water salute as it taxied towards the terminal,…",
  "key_points": [
    "Riyadh Air starts operations in Pakistan with first flight to Islamabad.",
    "Flight RX-660 carries 69 passengers, arrives at Islamabad International Airport.",
    "Inauguration ceremony held at Islamabad International Airport with Saudi Ambassador present."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Riyadh Air's entry into Pakistan strengthens Saudi-Pakistani air links, bolstering historical relations and marking a milestone in aviation cooperation between the two nations, with potential for future expansion.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}