Pakistan has a new way to fly to Saudi Arabia. Riyadh Air (RX), the Kingdom's new national airline, now flies direct from Islamabad and Lahore to Riyadh on modern Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, and Riyadh Air tickets can now be booked on ApnaTicket.
Whether you're an overseas Pakistani working in Riyadh, visiting family, travelling for business or connecting onward from the Saudi capital, this guide covers what to know: routes, schedules, cabins, how Riyadh Air compares with other airlines, and how to find the best fare.
Search Islamabad → Riyadh Search Lahore → Riyadh
What is Riyadh Air?
Riyadh Air is a new Saudi airline backed by the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and based at King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh. It's part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan to turn Riyadh into a global travel hub. It flies a modern, all-widebody Boeing 787 fleet with a strong focus on comfort, digital service and connections between Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
After launching its first international routes, Riyadh Air expanded into South Asia, and Pakistan was one of its first markets. Pakistani travellers get a new direct option to the Saudi capital alongside Saudia, PIA and the low-cost carriers.
Riyadh Air routes from Pakistan
| Route | Launched | Frequency at launch | Aircraft | Search |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamabad (ISB) ⇄ Riyadh (RUH) | 14 August 2026 | Up to daily | Boeing 787-9 | Find fares |
| Lahore (LHE) ⇄ Riyadh (RUH) | 18 August 2026 | 3 times weekly | Boeing 787-9 | Find fares |
Frequencies are as announced at launch and reported in the aviation press. Airlines adjust schedules by season, so check live availability for your date.
Islamabad to Riyadh
Islamabad is Riyadh Air's main Pakistani gateway, with the most frequent service. That's good news for travellers from Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir, a region with a large number of workers in central Saudi Arabia. A direct flight takes roughly 4.5 to 5 hours, with no connection in the Gulf.
→ Search Riyadh Air Islamabad to Riyadh flights for next week
Lahore to Riyadh
From Lahore, Riyadh Air flies three times a week to start with. Lahore–Riyadh is already one of Pakistan's busiest Saudi routes, so having a new full-service airline on it adds competition and should help keep fares in check. Compare Riyadh Air with other carriers on our Lahore to Riyadh flights page, which shows recent fares from multiple airlines.
→ Search Riyadh Air Lahore to Riyadh flights for next week
Onboard the Riyadh Air Boeing 787-9
Riyadh Air flies the Pakistan routes with the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, a long-haul aircraft that's unusual on a 4–5 hour regional route. Reported layouts have around 290 seats across these cabins:
- Business: lie-flat suites with direct aisle access. Reports mention a small number of upgraded "Business Elite" suites at the front.
- Premium Economy: wider seats, more legroom and better service than economy. A good middle ground for business travellers.
- Economy: modern seats with personal entertainment screens.
The Dreamliner also has higher cabin humidity, lower cabin altitude, larger windows and a quieter cabin, which together noticeably reduce tiredness, especially on night flights.
Travelling for business? Search Business class Islamabad–Riyadh or Premium Economy Lahore–Riyadh.
Riyadh Air vs other airlines from Pakistan to Riyadh
Riyadh Air joins an already busy market. Here is how it compares:
- Riyadh Air: new 787-9 aircraft and full-service cabins, including Premium Economy. Lands at Riyadh's main airport.
- Saudia: Saudi Arabia's long-standing flag carrier, with a wide network of direct flights from Pakistan to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah.
- PIA: Pakistan's national airline, often chosen by families and workers for its baggage allowance and direct flights from many cities.
- Airblue and other Pakistani private airlines: often competitive on price.
- flynas and other low-cost carriers: low base fares, but extras like checked baggage and meals usually cost more.
- One-stop options via Dubai or Doha on Emirates, flydubai or Qatar Airways: sometimes cheaper when direct flights are full.
Tip: compare the total price including baggage, not just the base fare. A full-service ticket with a good allowance often works out cheaper than a "cheap" fare plus paid bags. You can compare all of these on our airlines page.
Who should fly Riyadh Air?
- Overseas Pakistanis working in Riyadh and central Saudi Arabia: direct flights to the capital without changing in Jeddah or the Gulf.
- Business travellers: Premium Economy and Business on a modern widebody.
- Families visiting relatives: a full-service airline with a comfortable cabin for children and older passengers.
- Travellers connecting onward: Riyadh Air is building a wider network from Riyadh, so check onward connections when you search.
Planning Umrah? Riyadh is around 900 km from Makkah, so for most pilgrims it's easier to fly straight into Jeddah or Madinah. See our Umrah page, compare Karachi to Jeddah and Islamabad to Madinah fares, and read our guide to the cheapest time to book Jeddah flights.
How to book Riyadh Air tickets on ApnaTicket
- Search your route. Use the quick links below, or enter Islamabad or Lahore to Riyadh on our homepage.
- Pick a Riyadh Air flight. Compare times, cabin, baggage and total price with other airlines on the same screen.
- Add passenger details exactly as written on each passport.
- Pay securely online or by bank transfer. See how to pay by bank transfer.
- Get your e-ticket by email and manage your booking from your ApnaTicket account.
Quick search links
Each link searches live fares from the date you click (for example, "next week" always means 7 days from today):
- Islamabad → Riyadh, next week (one-way)
- Islamabad ⇄ Riyadh, next month (3-week return)
- Lahore → Riyadh, next week (one-way)
- Lahore ⇄ Riyadh, next month (3-week return)
- Riyadh → Islamabad (heading home)
- Riyadh → Lahore (heading home)
Tips to get the best Riyadh Air fare
- Book 3–6 weeks ahead for normal dates, and 2–3 months ahead for Eid and summer holidays.
- Be flexible by a few days. With fewer weekly flights from Lahore, fares can vary a lot between departure days.
- Watch the Eid return rush. Pakistan to Riyadh fares jump right after Eid, when workers head back. Book your return early.
- Compare Islamabad and Lahore if you can get to both airports. Islamabad has more Riyadh Air flights, which can mean more fare choice.
- Look at group fares if you're travelling with colleagues or family. See our group tickets.
- Check the fare rules for changes and refunds before you pay, and read our refund policy.
Arriving in Riyadh: King Khalid International Airport
Riyadh Air flights land at King Khalid International Airport (RUH), about 35 km north of central Riyadh. A few things make your arrival smoother:
- Getting into the city: taxis, app-based rides and hotel transfers are available outside arrivals. The Riyadh Metro is also expanding and links the airport to the city.
- Immigration: keep your passport, visa or iqama details and return ticket ready. First-time visitors should allow extra time at passport control.
- SIM cards and money: local SIM cards and currency exchange are available at the airport. Many shops and taxis in Riyadh accept card payments.
- Timing: Riyadh is 2 hours behind Pakistan, so a flight that leaves Islamabad in the evening can land in Riyadh the same night by local time.
Heading home after your trip? Return fares from Riyadh to Pakistan rise sharply around Eid and the end of Saudi school holidays, so check Riyadh to Islamabad fares early.
Travel documents for Saudi Arabia
Before you fly, make sure you have:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months from your travel date.
- A valid Saudi visa (work/iqama, visit, business or tourist e-visa, depending on your purpose).
- A copy of your e-ticket and, for visit visas, your host or hotel details.
Visa rules change, so always confirm the latest requirements through official Saudi government channels before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Does Riyadh Air fly to Pakistan?
Yes. Riyadh Air flies direct from Islamabad (since 14 August 2026) and Lahore (since 18 August 2026) to Riyadh on the Boeing 787-9.
Does Riyadh Air fly from Karachi?
Not at the time of writing. Karachi travellers can compare other Riyadh options on ApnaTicket. Search Karachi to Riyadh flights.
How long is the Riyadh Air flight from Islamabad to Riyadh?
About 4.5 to 5 hours direct, depending on winds and the schedule.
Can I book Riyadh Air tickets on ApnaTicket?
Yes. Riyadh Air is now available on ApnaTicket. Search your route, compare it with other airlines and book with secure online payment or bank transfer.
Is Riyadh Air a low-cost airline?
No. Riyadh Air is a full-service airline with Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins on its Boeing 787-9 fleet.
Book your Riyadh Air flight today
Riyadh Air brings a new, modern and comfortable option to Pakistani travellers heading to the Saudi capital. Compare it with Saudia, PIA and other airlines, pick the flight that suits your plans, and book in minutes on ApnaTicket.
Book Islamabad → Riyadh Book Lahore → Riyadh
Exploring other routes? Read our Pakistan to Dubai flights comparison, or see recent fares on Islamabad to Dubai and Islamabad to Doha.
Schedules, cabins and frequencies come from Riyadh Air's announcements and aviation news reports at launch, and may change. Always confirm the final schedule and fare when you book.
References
- Riyadh Air – Official website
- Airways Magazine – Riyadh Air enters Pakistan with Islamabad, Lahore routes
- AeroRoutes – Riyadh Air schedules Pakistan August 2026 launch
- Dawn – Daily flights to Riyadh from 14th
- ProPakistani – New Saudi airline announces flights to Pakistan
- Khaleej Times – New Saudi airline to launch flights to Pakistan, Philippines
- Aaj News – Riyadh Air to launch direct flights to Islamabad, Lahore
- Wikipedia – Riyadh Air