Flight RX-660 arrived at 7:42pm carrying 69 passengers. Airport authorities welcomed the aircraft with a ceremonial water salute as it taxied towards the terminal.

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) later hosted an inauguration ceremony at Islamabad International Airport to mark the Saudi airline’s first arrival in Pakistan.

Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki attended the ceremony as chief guest. PAA Director General Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, senior government officials and Riyadh Air’s senior management also participated.

Speaking at the event, the Saudi ambassador highlighted the importance of the new service in strengthening the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He also stressed the role of direct air links in bringing the two countries closer.

Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed welcomed Riyadh Air’s entry into the Pakistani market. He said the new service would improve connectivity, support passenger movement and encourage greater cooperation in aviation.

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The ceremony included ribbon-cutting and cake-cutting to officially celebrate the launch.

Riyadh Air’s senior management also outlined the airline’s plans for expansion in Pakistan. The carrier is expected to operate seven flights a week between Riyadh and Islamabad.

The new service will give passengers an additional direct option between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. It could also support stronger business, tourism and people-to-people links between the two countries.

Following the inauguration, flight RX-660 departed Islamabad International Airport at 9:56pm. The return flight carried 272 passengers.

The launch represents an important development in Pakistan-Saudi aviation ties. It also adds a new international carrier to Pakistan’s growing air connectivity network.