Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national airline, has officially started operations in Pakistan with the arrival of its first flight, RX-660, from Riyadh at Islamabad International Airport on Friday evening, according to a statement from the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA).
The flight arrived with 69 passengers and received a ceremonial water salute as it taxied toward the terminal. The arrival marked Riyadh Air’s first flight to Pakistan, the PAA said.
Riyadh Air is expected to operate seven flights a week between Riyadh and Islamabad, providing another direct air connection between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The PAA held an inauguration ceremony at Islamabad International Airport. The event was attended by Saudi Ambassador Nawaf Bin Said Al-Malki as the chief guest, along with PAA Director General Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, senior government officials and senior Riyadh Air management.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Saudi ambassador highlighted the importance of Riyadh Air’s first service in strengthening the long-standing relationship and air connectivity between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
PAA Director General Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed welcomed the launch of Riyadh Air’s operations. He said the new air link would improve connectivity, facilitate passenger travel and support greater cooperation between the two countries in the aviation sector.
The ceremony featured ribbon-cutting and cake-cutting ceremonies to celebrate the launch. Riyadh Air’s senior management also discussed the airline’s plans for future expansion and its potential for further growth in Pakistan.
After the inauguration ceremony, flight RX-660 departed Islamabad International Airport at 9:56 p.m. with 272 passengers.
The start of Riyadh Air’s operations is an important development in air connectivity between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and is expected to contribute positively to bilateral relations and the aviation sector.
