Riyadh Air Launches New Flight Routes to Pakistan and Philippines

Expanding its network into South and Southeast Asia, Riyadh Air will launch new direct flight routes from Riyadh to Islamabad, Lahore, and Manila between August and September 2026.

The Core Transit Update

Aviation networks, international terminal gates, and transit corridors in Saudi Arabia are expanding flight options to connect the Gulf with Asia. Riyadh Air has announced ticket sales and launch dates for three new direct routes from its hub at King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh.

Services to Islamabad (ISB) will commence on August 14, 2026, followed by Lahore (LHE) on August 18, 2026, and Manila (MNL) on September 9, 2026. Designed to align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 aviation targets, these nonstop routes provide direct connections for expatriate communities, business travelers, and holidaymakers, bypassing traditional regional transfer hubs.

Route Schedules & Market Connectivity

Planning a journey between the Middle East and Asia requires tracking departure dates and matching airport codes. The following tables outline Riyadh Air's flight schedule and detail regional connectivity values.

Launch Route Segment	Origin Airport Code	Destination Airport Code	Scheduled Launch Date	Primary Target Passenger Base
Riyadh – Islamabad	RUH (King Khalid)	ISB (Islamabad International)	August 14, 2026	Families, workforce, & business connections
Riyadh – Lahore	RUH (King Khalid)	LHE (Allama Iqbal Intl)	August 18, 2026	Families, workforce, & business connections
Riyadh – Manila	RUH (King Khalid)	MNL (Ninoy Aquino Intl)	September 9, 2026	Tourism, business, & expatriate transit

Riyadh Air new international routes to Asia.

Regional Market Segment	Stated Expatriate & Commercial Value	Primary Aviation Objective
Saudi – Pakistan	Deep cultural, workforce, & family ties	Direct route options to Punjab & capital areas
Saudi – Philippines	Strong corporate & international labor flow	Connects Manila directly to Gulf markets

Riyadh Air regional network connectivity.

Traveler Logistics Guide

From a ground-level perspective, the best way to navigate this is to complete your digital customs and transit declarations via the Tawakkalna (for Saudi Arabia) or eTravel (for the Philippines) applications before arriving at the departure gates, as this ensures your electronic travel passes are verified at checking desks, avoiding delays. Checking flight status online is recommended.

To plan your trip:

Allow Safe Connecting Windows: King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh is undergoing terminal updates. Allow at least three hours for international connections if transiting to onward flights to Europe.
Observe Visas and Permits: Expatriate workers traveling to Pakistan or the Philippines must ensure their exit/re-entry visas are validated by their sponsors before booking.
Confirm Terminal Details: Riyadh Air operations are centered at King Khalid International Airport. Check your booking receipt to verify which terminal your flight departs from.
Observe Luggage Allowances: Direct flights to South Asia and the Philippines enforce strict baggage restrictions. Confirm baggage weight limits before checking in online.

Infrastructure Impact Assessment

The introduction of direct, point-to-point flights from Riyadh to South and Southeast Asian destinations reduces aircraft holding times and fuel emissions by eliminating transit stops at overcrowded regional hubs.

By directing passenger spending through direct ticketing channels (complying with Saudi Civil Aviation standards), the new routes support local aviation employment, fund airport terminal expansions under Vision 2030, and ensure that Middle East travel corridors remain modern and efficient.