Islamabad – In a major development aimed at strengthening air connectivity between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, a Saudi-based airline has announced the launch of four new direct flight routes to key Pakistani cities. The expansion reflects the growing travel demand between the two nations and is expected to significantly ease passenger movement for business, tourism, and religious travel.
The newly announced routes will connect Saudi Arabia to Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, and Multan, enhancing accessibility and offering more choices to travelers, especially the large Pakistani expatriate community residing in the Kingdom. These new flight paths are part of the airline’s broader plan to expand its international network and improve connectivity with South Asia.
According to aviation officials, the airline will begin operations on the new routes in phases, with daily or weekly flight frequencies, depending on demand and airport readiness. The services will be operated with modern aircraft equipped with in-flight entertainment and upgraded passenger amenities.
The decision comes in response to growing passenger volumes and increased bilateral engagement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Officials say the expanded air link will not only facilitate more comfortable travel but also support trade, labor mobility, religious tourism, and people-to-people ties.
The Pakistani aviation ministry has welcomed the move, stating that it aligns with the government’s efforts to open up the aviation sector, promote competition, and offer greater convenience to passengers. It also reflects the confidence of foreign carriers in Pakistan’s aviation infrastructure and air traffic potential.
Industry experts view the move as a win-win for both countries. For Pakistan, it offers improved outbound travel options and more inbound connectivity for international visitors. For Saudi Arabia, it helps meet the rising travel demand for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims, while also opening new channels for tourism and business.
Airline officials said that ticket sales for the new routes will commence shortly, with competitive pricing and promotional offers expected to attract early bookings. Special packages for group travel, religious pilgrims, and families are also likely to be introduced as part of the airline’s strategy to capture a larger share of the Pakistan–Saudi Arabia air travel market.
This development comes at a time when the Kingdom is undergoing significant transformation under its Vision 2030 plan, which includes expanding its aviation and tourism sectors. Improved international connectivity is a key pillar of that strategy, with Pakistan identified as a priority market due to the deep cultural, religious, and economic ties between the two countries.
With these new routes, travelers will have increased flexibility and more direct access to major Saudi cities, potentially reducing transit times and improving travel convenience. The move also signals a positive outlook for the post-pandemic aviation industry in the region, as carriers resume expansion plans and respond to strong market demand.
