Riyadh Air is expanding its international network with three new routes launching in quick succession during August and September 2026. The Saudi national carrier, which received its Air Operator Certificate in late 2024 and launched commercial operations in early 2025, is now broadening its reach across South and Southeast Asia.
The Three New Routes
Riyadh–Islamabad launched on 14 August 2026 as a daily service from King Khalid International Airport. The route connects Riyadh directly with the Pakistani capital and targets both the large Pakistani worker community based in Saudi Arabia and business travellers moving between the two countries’ growing bilateral trade corridors.
Riyadh–Lahore follows on 18 August with three weekly frequencies. Lahore is Pakistan’s second-largest city and the cultural capital of Punjab, and the route supplements Riyadh Air’s Islamabad service to give passengers from the Punjab region a non-stop option rather than an overland connection to Islamabad.
Riyadh–Manila launches on 9 September 2026 as a daily service, serving the estimated 1.5 million Filipinos working in Saudi Arabia and meeting long-standing demand for additional capacity on one of the Gulf’s highest-volume labour migration corridors.
Riyadh Air’s Network Strategy
The three routes reflect Riyadh Air’s focus on high-demand South and Southeast Asian markets, where existing capacity — primarily on Saudia and Gulf carrier connections — has been insufficient to meet demand at competitive price points. The carrier has also announced planned routes to Karachi, Jakarta, Dhaka, and Colombo within the next 18 months.
For Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 tourism ambitions, improved air connectivity plays a direct role. The country received 17.5 million international tourist arrivals in 2025, against a target of 150 million annually by 2030. Competitive new routes that improve access and lower ticket prices are a key part of the government’s strategy to reach that figure.
Planning a Visit to Saudi Arabia
For information on the Saudi Arabia visitor visa, which is available online to citizens of 63 countries and on arrival to others, see our practical travel guide. Our itineraries section includes suggested routes across the country’s regions, from Riyadh and the Diriyah heritage district to AlUla, the Red Sea coast, and Asir Province. For the top activities and experiences available to visitors, see our things to do section.