airwaysmag.com
• Ivan Oleinik
Riyadh Air has begun daily direct flights between Riyadh and Islamabad, marking its entry into Pakistan with Boeing 787-9s. The Saudi startup plans to add Lahore service on Aug. 18, expanding its South Asian network as it builds out scheduled international operations.
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Saudi Arabia
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Riyadh Air has begun daily direct flights between Riyadh and Islamabad, marking its entry into Pakistan with Boeing 787-9s. The Saudi startup plans to add Lahore service on Aug. 18, expanding its South Asian network as it builds out scheduled international operations.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Nvidia and Harvard Management Co. disclosed positions in SpaceX through recent filings, joining Alphabet among prominent investors. The disclosures underscore the expanding institutional interest in Elon Musk’s privately held launch and space company and provide new visibility into its shareholder base.
Air Arabia expects to begin operations in the third quarter with its new Saudi Arabian airline, established with investment partners after receiving the rights to create an operator in Dammam last year. The launch would expand the Middle Eastern budget carrier’s presence in the Saudi market.
Najran Airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia has suspended operations following an attack, according to Commercial Aviation News. The disruption highlights the exposure of civilian aviation infrastructure to regional security threats and the potential for immediate impacts on airport access and flight operations.
High activity
Delta Air Lines will begin daily nonstop Atlanta–Riyadh service on Oct. 23, 2026, its first route to Saudi Arabia and the first nonstop connection between the U.S. and Riyadh operated by a U.S. airline. The launch advances Delta’s partnership with Riyadh Air despite continuing regional tensions.
Thomas Sleightholm FlyNow, developer of pilotless electric aircraft aimed at air taxi, logistics and emergency-response use, has officially relocated its global headquarters to Riyadh. The move signals a tighter operational footprint in Saudi Arabia for an eVTOL strategy that targets commercialization-ready applications.
High activity
Saudia Cargo and Riyadh Cargo have signed an interline agreement to give freight forwarders and logistics partners broader network access, enhanced routing options, and improved cargo connectivity through Saudi Arabia. In parallel, Saudia Cargo has launched a scheduled Riyadh–Melbourne freighter route to extend its international cargo network.
High activity
Air India and Saudia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to significantly expand their existing codeshare partnership, aimed at strengthening network connectivity between India and Saudi Arabia. The deal underscores continued bilateral commercial alignment as both carriers look to capture more passenger traffic on shared routes.
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