Pakistan welcomes Riyadh Air's inaugural Islamabad flight

August 17, 2026 (MLN): Riyadh Air commenced direct services between Riyadh and Islamabad on August 14, with services to Lahore scheduled to begin on August 18, marking the launch of the airline's operations in Pakistan.

Minister of State/Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Digital Media Fahd Haroon congratulated Riyadh Air on the commencement of its operations, with the airline's inaugural flight from Riyadh that arrived in Islamabad on August 14, APP reported.

Fahd Haroon warmly welcomed Riyadh Air to Pakistan, describing the new air link as an important milestone in the enduring brotherly relationship between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He said Riyadh Air's arrival in Pakistan was more than the launch of a new airline, calling it another bridge connecting our two brotherly nations and a reflection of the ever-deepening ties between the two countries.

He said the new connectivity would create greater opportunities for people-to-people contact, business, tourism, investment and cultural exchange, while further strengthening the links between the two countries.

Fahd Haroon also conveyed his congratulations and appreciation to Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki for his support and efforts in facilitating the milestone.

He acknowledged the teams in Islamabad and Riyadh, including the leadership and team of Riyadh Air, the relevant Pakistani and Saudi authorities, and the respective diplomatic missions, whose coordination contributed to the successful launch of the new service, commending everyone whose dedication and close coordination helped turn the initiative into reality.

Noting that the inaugural flight arrived on Pakistan's 79th Independence Day, Fahd Haroon said the occasion carried added significance, extending his heartfelt congratulations to Riyadh Air, its leadership and its entire team, and wishing it success as it begins this journey between the two countries.

Fahd Haroon expressed confidence that Riyadh Air's presence in Pakistan would further enhance connectivity and contribute to the continued strengthening of the Pakistan–Saudi Arabia partnership.

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