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Riyadh Air has launched its first direct flights to Pakistan, beginning daily non-stop services between Riyadh and Islamabad on August 14, coinciding with Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day.
The Saudi national carrier’s new service connects King Khalid International Airport with Islamabad International Airport using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The route is expected to serve Pakistani expatriates, business travellers and pilgrims while strengthening air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Riyadh Air will operate two services between Riyadh and Islamabad each week on different schedules. Flight RX0659 departs Riyadh at 1:45pm on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, arriving in Islamabad at 8pm.
Flight RX0661 operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, departing Riyadh at 8:10pm and arriving in Islamabad at 2:25am the following day.
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Return services will operate from Islamabad to Riyadh, providing passengers with additional travel options between the two capitals.
Riyadh Air will expand its Pakistan network to Lahore from August 18. Flight RX0675 will operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
The service will depart Riyadh at 1:40pm and arrive at Allama Iqbal International Airport at 7:50pm. The return flight, RX0676, will leave Lahore at 9:20pm and reach Riyadh at midnight the following day.
All flight times are local and may be updated by the airline.
The airline said the new routes reflect the longstanding relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, supported by extensive economic, diplomatic and people-to-people ties.
More than two million Pakistani expatriates live and work across Saudi Arabia, including in healthcare, technology, finance and construction. The new direct services are also expected to support thousands of pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia each year.
The routes will also allow Pakistani travellers to use Riyadh as a transit hub for onward journeys across Riyadh Air’s growing international network.
Riyadh Air will operate its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on the Pakistan routes. The aircraft feature Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
Passengers will have access to enhanced seating, privacy features, advanced entertainment, onboard connectivity and wireless listening. The airline will also offer upgraded dining and other amenities as part of its premium travel experience.
Passengers can also join Riyadh Air’s Sfeer loyalty programme. Members receive benefits including a Best Offer Guarantee, complimentary onboard Wi-Fi and rewards from their flights.
Early members can also join the airline’s Founders Club, which offers priority access to bookings on new routes and additional benefits.
Riyadh Air said its expansion into Pakistan marks an important step in building a global network while strengthening Riyadh’s position as an international aviation and logistics hub.
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