Riyadh Air’s inaugural flight RX-676 landed at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, marking a major step in air connectivity between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) welcomed the flight with a ceremonial water salute after its arrival from Riyadh. A ceremony also took place at the airport’s International Departure Lounge.
Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki attended the event.
Three Weekly Flights Planned
Riyadh Air is expected to operate three flights per week between Riyadh and Lahore. The new service will provide passengers with an additional direct connection between the two cities.
The route is expected to serve workers, business travelers, families, and religious pilgrims. It will also support stronger people-to-people and economic links between the two countries.
Strong Demand for Pakistan-Saudi Travel
More than two million Pakistanis live in Saudi Arabia, making Pakistan an important aviation market for the Kingdom.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia remains one of Pakistan’s major economic partners. Air travel between the two countries also supports business activity and worker mobility.
Riyadh Air Expands Pakistan Operations
Riyadh Air is Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier and is wholly owned by the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund.
The airline aims to connect Riyadh with more than 100 destinations worldwide by the end of the decade. Its Pakistan operations began with an inaugural flight to Islamabad on August 14.
With the addition of Lahore, the airline is expanding its presence in Pakistan’s major aviation markets.
Boost to Bilateral Connectivity
The launch strengthens direct air links between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. It also supports Saudi Arabia’s broader ambition to develop Riyadh into a major international aviation hub under Vision 2030.
As a result, the new Lahore route could further increase travel, tourism, business, and family connectivity between the two countries.
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