Riyadh Air Starts Flights Between Riyadh, Lahore and Islamabad

Last updated on 1 Aug, 2026

Saudi Arabia's newest full service carrier, Riyadh Air, has officially expanded its international network by launching scheduled passenger flights to Pakistan starting 18 August, 2026. The airline will commence operations from its hub at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport (RUH), initially serving Lahore (LHE) and Islamabad (ISB). The is another significant milestone in the airline's rapid network expansion as it strengthens air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and South Asia.

Riyadh Air (RX) Flight Schedule for Pakistan

The airline has initially started 3 weekly flights to Lahore and 7 weekly flights to Islamabad from its hub Riyadh (RUH). Passengers can book flights from Pakistan to Riyadh and beyond including Jeddah, Cairo, London, Manchester, Madrid, Dubai and more. Book Riyadh Air flights with us.

Flights between Riyadh and Lahore

Route	Flight No.	Departs	Arrives	Operates
Riyadh - Lahore	RX 675	13:40	19:50	Tue, Thu, Sat
Lahore - Riyadh	RX 676	21:20	00:01⁺¹	Tue, Thu, Sat

Flights between Riyadh and Islamabad

Route	Flight No.	Departs	Arrives	Operates
Riyadh - Islamabad	RX 659	13:45	20:00	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
Riyadh - Islamabad	RX 661	20:10	02:25⁺¹	Tue, Thu, Sat
Islamabad - Riyadh	RX 662	04:25	06:50	Wed, Fri, Sun
Islamabad - Riyadh	RX 660	21:30	00:01⁺¹	Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun

Pakistan — An Important Market for Airlines

Pakistan has long been one of Saudi Arabia's most important aviation markets, driven by a large expatriate community, business ties, and year round religious travel including Hajj & Umrah. By introducing direct services to Lahore and Islamabad, Riyadh Air aims to provide passengers with greater travel options while offering onward connections through Riyadh to destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

Increasing Connectivity for Umrah & Hajj Passengers

The new routes are expected to intensify competition on the busy Saudi Arabia Pakistan corridor. There are many airlines offering direct flight options between Pakistan and KSA including Saudia, Pakistan International Airlines and several other Pakistan based carriers. Riyadh Air (RX) will provide another competitive edge to travelers from Pakistans intending for Saudi bound travel and beyond.

Competition to Middle Eastern Carriers

The launch of flights to Lahore and Islamabad also reflects Riyadh Air's broader ambition of building Riyadh into a major global aviation hub under Saudi Vision 2030. As the airline continues to receive additional aircraft and expand its route network, more destinations in Pakistan and across Asia could be added in the future, further enhancing connectivity between the two countries.

Riyadh Air's modern Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, combined with its premium onboard product and digital-first customer experience, are expected to appeal to both business and leisure travelers seeking an alternative to existing carriers.