Riyadh Air to launch Islamabad and Lahore services in August
Riyadh Air opens ticket sales for new Islamabad and Lahore flights launching in August, marking its entry into the Pakistan market
Haris Zamir
Business Editor
Experience of almost 33 years where started the journey of financial journalism from Business Recorder in 1992. From 2006 onwards attached with Television Media worked at Sun Tv, Dawn Tv, Geo Tv and Dunya Tv. During the period also worked as a stringer for Bloomberg for seven years and Dow Jones for five years. Also wrote articles for several highly acclaimed periodicals like the Newsline, Pakistan Gulf Economist and Money Matters (The News publications)
Riyadh Air's Pakistan launch begins Aug. 14 with daily flights to Islamabad.
File
Saudi Arabia's new national carrier, Riyadh Air, has opened ticket sales for its inaugural flights to Pakistan.
The airline will launch daily flights between Riyadh and Islamabad from Aug. 14, followed by three weekly flights between Riyadh and Lahore from Aug. 18, it said on Monday.
When will Riyadh Air start flying to Pakistan?
Riyadh Air's Pakistan launch begins Aug. 14 with daily flights to Islamabad, followed by three weekly flights to Lahore starting Aug. 18. Bookings for both routes are now open.
The launch marks the airline's entry into one of its largest regional travel markets.
What is Riyadh Air's flight schedule to Islamabad and Lahore?
The Islamabad route will operate daily, with flight RX0659 departing Riyadh at 1345 local time four times a week, on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Flight RX0661 departs at 2010 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
The Lahore service, flight RX0675, will operate three times a week, departing Riyadh at 1340 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Return services from Islamabad and Lahore will operate on corresponding schedules, all using Riyadh Air's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
Why is Riyadh Air expanding to Pakistan?
The expansion strengthens air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, where strong business, religious and family ties have generated sustained travel demand. Riyadh Air said the new routes support its strategy of connecting major global hubs while offering enhanced passenger and cargo services.
The airline said the routes are designed to serve business and leisure travelers as well as the large Pakistani expatriate community living and working in Saudi Arabia.
The addition of Islamabad and Lahore marks a key step in the airline's expansion across Asia. It is expected to improve connectivity for travelers flying onward to destinations across Europe and the Middle East. Riyadh Air said the services will also strengthen Riyadh's position as a regional aviation hub, offering passengers from Pakistan convenient onward connections within Saudi Arabia, Europe and the wider Middle East.
What is the passenger experience like on Riyadh Air's new routes?
The airline's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners feature four cabin classes: Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy. Passengers will have access to ergonomic seating, enhanced privacy and storage, Panasonic Avionics' Astrova inflight entertainment system, and mobile-first connectivity.
Additional features include wireless audio, upgraded dining options, Saudi-made Kayanee amenities, Disney amenity kits for children, and a five-sense wellness program designed to improve comfort during long-haul travel.
Does Riyadh Air have a loyalty programme?
Riyadh Air also said passengers can join its "Sfeer" loyalty program, which offers a Best Offer Guarantee, complimentary onboard Wi-Fi and no expiry on loyalty points.
Early members will be enrolled in the airline's Founders Club, giving them priority access to bookings on newly launched routes and additional membership benefits.
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