Saudi Arabia new national carrier, Riyadh Air, has begun regular operations to Pakistan, launching a direct air link between Riyadh and Islamabad.
The inaugural flight of the airline, RX660, landed at Islamabad International Airport on Friday evening at 7:42 pm, carrying 69 passengers. The Pakistan Airports Authority marked the arrival with a traditional water salute before passengers were transferred to the terminal.
An inaugural ceremony was held at the airport to mark the occasion, attended by Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, Pakistan Airports Authority Director General Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, senior government officials and Riyadh Air management.
Addressing the ceremony, Ambassador Al-Malki said the new air service would help strengthen the longstanding relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, adding that expanded direct connectivity would make travel between the two countries easier.
Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed also welcomed Riyadh Air to Pakistan on behalf of the Pakistan Airports Authority.
