Riyadh Air has opened public ticket sales for its first scheduled services to Pakistan and the Philippines, marking another step in the Saudi carrier’s international expansion as it prepares to strengthen air links between Riyadh and key destinations across Asia.
Saudi Arabia’s new national airline confirmed that inaugural flights to Islamabad will begin on August 14, followed by Lahore on August 18, while services to Manila are scheduled to commence on September 9, 2026. The airline said the new routes support Riyadh’s ambition to become a major global aviation hub while contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to boost tourism, trade and international connectivity.
The Pakistan routes are expected to serve a wide range of passengers, including business travellers, tourists, families and the large Pakistani expatriate community living and working in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh Air said the services would also improve onward travel options through the Saudi capital to destinations across the Middle East and Europe.
Flights between Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and Islamabad will operate four times a week on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Flight RX0659 is scheduled to depart Riyadh at 1:45 p.m. and arrive in Islamabad at 8:00 p.m.
A second Islamabad service, flight RX0661, will operate three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The evening departure from Riyadh at 8:10 p.m. is scheduled to arrive in the Pakistani capital at 2:25 a.m. the following day, providing additional flexibility for travellers.
The airline’s daily service to Manila is aimed at meeting growing demand generated by expanding commercial ties between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines, as well as travel linked to education, tourism and employment. The route is also expected to benefit the sizeable Filipino community residing in the Kingdom.
Flight RX0873 will depart Riyadh every day at 1:05 a.m. and arrive at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 3:55 p.m. local time. The return service, RX0874, is scheduled to leave Manila at 5:25 p.m. before arriving in Riyadh at 10:15 p.m.
All three routes will be operated using Riyadh Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Passengers will be able to choose from four cabin classes: Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy.
The launch of ticket sales marks another milestone for Riyadh Air as it continues to build its international route network ahead of broader expansion plans. The airline has positioned itself as a central part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to develop aviation, increase visitor numbers and strengthen the Kingdom’s role as a regional and global transport hub under Vision 2030.
The new services are expected to improve travel options for passengers while supporting stronger economic, cultural and commercial links between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and the Philippines.
