Saudi Arabia's newest flag carrier is set to deepen its footprint in South Asia, with daily service from Islamabad to Riyadh beginning August 14. The announcement marks a significant step in the kingdom's aviation expansion strategy, targeting one of the largest overseas labor markets in the region. Main Developments Riyadh Air confirmed that ticket sales are now open for two new routes: Islamabad-Riyadh and Lahore-Riyadh. The daily Islamabad service will operate seven times weekly, while Lahore will see three weekly flights, with the inaugural Lahore departure scheduled for August 18. All flights will be operated using the airline's new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which feature four cabin classes: Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. The aircraft are configured with Riyadh Air's latest cabin interiors and upgraded onboard experience. Read also: Why Pakistan's New Foreign Media Rules Could Backfire Background Riyadh Air was established as part of Saudi Arabia's broader push to diversify its economy beyond oil, with aviation a key pillar of the Vision 2030 initiative. The carrier has been steadily expanding its network since its launch, and Pakistan represents one of its largest potential markets due to the significant Pakistani expatriate community in the kingdom. The new routes come amid growing air travel demand between the two countries, driven by both labor migration and religious tourism. Saudi Arabia remains a top destination for Pakistani workers, with hundreds of thousands of visas issued annually. Why It Matters For Pakistani travelers, the launch introduces a new premium option on a high-demand corridor, potentially easing capacity constraints and offering more choice in cabin classes. The airline's emphasis on onward connectivity to Europe and the Middle East could also position Pakistan as a feeder market for long-haul journeys. From Saudi Arabia's perspective, the expansion strengthens its aviation hub ambitions, challenging regional rivals like Emirates and Qatar Airways. The move also aligns with Riyadh's goal of attracting 100 million annual visitors by 2030. What's Next Riyadh Air has not yet announced specific launch dates for additional Pakistani cities, but industry observers expect further route announcements as the carrier scales up its fleet. The airline is also scheduled to receive additional Dreamliners over the coming months, which could support more frequent service on existing routes. Travelers are advised to book early, as initial flights are likely to see high demand during the August launch period.