Riyadh Air is expanding its international network with new services to Pakistan and the Philippines, strengthening Riyadh’s position as a growing global aviation hub. The Saudi carrier will launch flights to Islamabad, Lahore and Manila from August and September 2026, targeting strong expatriate demand while improving connectivity through Riyadh.
Riyadh Air New Routes to Pakistan and the Philippines
The airline will begin operations to Islamabad on August 14, with four flights per week. Services to Lahore will follow on August 18, operating three times weekly. Manila will join the network on September 9, with a daily service.
All three routes will be operated using Riyadh Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, featuring the airline’s updated cabin product. Flight schedules have been structured to support both point-to-point demand and onward connections through Riyadh, with return flights operating overnight or during early-morning hours on selected days.
The new destinations are strategically important for Riyadh Air, particularly because Saudi Arabia hosts large expatriate communities from both Pakistan and the Philippines. The additional services are expected to support travel for workers, families and business passengers while creating more opportunities for connecting traffic through the airline’s Riyadh hub.
Building Riyadh as a Global Hub
The expansion forms part of Riyadh Air’s broader strategy to establish a major international network centered on the Saudi capital. The airline has also identified Bangkok and Addis Ababa among its future destinations as it continues building its global footprint.
However, fleet availability remains a key constraint. Riyadh Air currently has only seven aircraft in operation, while delivery delays from Boeing and Airbus are limiting the pace at which the carrier can introduce additional routes.
Fleet Constraints Remain a Challenge
With a relatively small operational fleet, maintenance downtime could create significant pressure on schedule reliability as the network expands. Additional aircraft are therefore critical to supporting Riyadh Air’s growth ambitions without compromising operational performance.
Despite these challenges, the launch of services to Pakistan and the Philippines represents another major step in Riyadh Air’s international expansion. By combining high-demand expatriate markets with strategically timed connections, the airline is positioning Riyadh as an increasingly important gateway between Asia, the Middle East and beyond.
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