Saudi Arabia’s state-backed airline, Riyadh Air, is accelerating its global network expansion operating out of its primary hub at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
Formed as part of Saudi's Vision 2030, the carrier aims to connect the Kingdom with key economic, cultural, and tourism corridors across Asia, Europe, and the wider Middle East. Deploying its newly delivered fleet of state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, the airline has officially launched ticket sales and inaugurated several flagship international services.
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Riyadh Air kicked off its long-haul operations with services to London's Heathrow Airport which began in July 2026. This popular direct route was quickly followed by a number of regional and European connections, seeing the new airline's first tranche of expansion link the Kingdom's capital city to destinations such as daily flights to Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah, and Madrid.
On July 30, the airline announced a non-stop service between King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). This route will operated three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. According to SPA, this new route, aside from driving opportunities for business and tourism, this route will offer a "direct transport for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from Malaysia."
And this week, the new national carrier has officially launched ticket sales to three new destinations.
Unveiling its expanding international footprint, Riyadh Air has announced connections to Pakistan; the new direct flight route will connect Riyadh to two of the country's primary economic and cultural hubs. A daily non-stop service between Riyadh and Islamabad International Airport commences on August 14, 2026. The airline will also introduce direct flights to Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport on August 18, 2026, operating three times weekly to support consistent bilateral travel.
Further expanding its reach into Southeast Asia, Riyadh Air is also introducing long-haul direct service connecting Riyadh to Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. This new Manila route serves as a crucial link for trade, tourism, and high-density passenger movement between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines, joining recently established regional connections such as Kuala Lumpur.
Together with initial operations across Europe and the Middle East, these route rollouts support Riyadh Air’s target of reaching 22 global destinations by early 2027 and expanding to more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.
Pakistan: Riyadh Air will begin daily operations between Riyadh and Islamabad International Airport commences on August 14, 2026, and three direct, weekly flights to Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport from August 18, 2026.
The Philippines: Riyadh Air's direct connection to Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport will begin from September 9, 2026.
Malaysia: Riyadh Air began direct flights to Kuala Lumpur International Airport on July 30, 2026. This route will operate three times weekly.
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