Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s newly established national airline, has announced the launch of new flight services to Islamabad, Lahore, and Manila as part of its expanding international network. The airline began public ticket sales for these routes, which are slated to commence in August and September 2026.
The inaugural flight to Islamabad is scheduled for August 14, followed by the Lahore service beginning August 18. Flights to Manila will start on September 9. These additions support Riyadh Air’s strategy to enhance connectivity aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, which aim to diversify the economy and strengthen global links.
The new routes to Pakistan reflect the longstanding cultural and economic ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Riyadh Air plans to operate flights between Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and Islamabad’s Islamabad International Airport (ISB) four times weekly on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, using flight RX0659 departing Riyadh at 13:45 and arriving in Islamabad at 20:00. An additional service, RX0661, will depart Riyadh at 20:10 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, arriving in Islamabad early the following morning at 02:25.
The airline’s daily service to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) reflects growing ties between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines, driven by commercial cooperation, education, and tourism. This route aims to serve the significant Filipino community in Saudi Arabia, as well as business and leisure travelers. Flight RX0873 will leave Riyadh at 01:05 daily, arriving in Manila at 15:55 local time, with the return flight RX0874 departing Manila at 17:25 and arriving in Riyadh at 22:15.
All flights on these routes will be operated using Riyadh Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which feature the carrier’s latest cabin configurations, including Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes. The introduction of these services is part of Riyadh Air’s broader efforts to enhance international connectivity and provide new travel options in line with Saudi Arabia’s economic and social development plans.