Fly Jinnah launches direct flights from Karachi to Riyadh

Fly Jinnah has launched direct flights from Karachi to Riyadh. File photo
Fly Jinnah has launched direct flights from Karachi to Riyadh. File photo
Published September 19, 2026 04:08 PM | Updated at September 19, 2026 06:52 PM
Karachi (Web Desk): Fly Jinnah has launched direct flights from Karachi to Riyadh, opening a new air link between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and providing another travel option for passengers flying between the two cities.

The new service adds another international route to the airline’s growing network and provides passengers with a direct connection between the two major cities.

The first Karachi-Riyadh flight departed from Karachi on Friday night with 146 passengers on board.

The launch gives travellers another option for reaching Saudi Arabia without having to use connecting flights.

First flight departs with 146 passengers

A small inauguration ceremony was held at Karachi airport before the first flight departed. The ceremony took place at the airport lounge and included a cake-cutting event to mark the start of the new service.

Passengers and aviation officials were present as the airline began operations on the new route. The first flight carried 146 passengers, marking the formal start of Fly Jinnah’s regular Karachi-Riyadh service.

Aviation authorities attend launch ceremony

Officials from several aviation and security institutions attended the inauguration ceremony. Representatives of the Pakistan Airports Authority, Civil Aviation Authority and Airport Security Force were present at the event.

Officials from other relevant institutions also attended the ceremony and witnessed the launch of the new international route. Their participation reflected the coordination involved in starting a new international flight service from Karachi.

New route expands Saudi Arabia connectivity

Fly Jinnah already operates international flights to destinations in Saudi Arabia.

The airline currently has services connecting Pakistan with cities including Jeddah and Dammam. The addition of Riyadh expands its Saudi Arabian network and gives passengers another destination to travel to directly from Karachi.

Riyadh is Saudi Arabia’s capital and an important destination for Pakistani travellers, including people visiting family members, working in the country or travelling for other purposes. The new route is therefore expected to provide another travel option for passengers between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Direct flights offer another travel option

Direct flights can make international travel more convenient by removing the need for passengers to change aircraft at another airport.

For passengers travelling from Karachi to Riyadh, the new service provides a direct air connection between the two cities. This can be particularly useful for Pakistanis living and working in Saudi Arabia who regularly travel between the two countries.

Families visiting relatives in Saudi Arabia may also benefit from having another direct flight option. The route could also support travel for business and other purposes between Pakistan and the Saudi capital.

Fly Jinnah continues international expansion

The Karachi-Riyadh service is another addition to Fly Jinnah’s international operations. The airline has been operating international routes alongside its domestic network, including services to Saudi Arabian destinations.

Also Read: South Air launches new Islamabad-Multan flight route

With Riyadh now added to its international network, passengers from Karachi have another direct connection to Saudi Arabia. The expansion also adds to the number of air travel options available between Pakistan and the Gulf region.

New air link strengthens Karachi-Riyadh connection

According to Fly Jinnah officials, the direct Karachi-Riyadh service is expected to make travel easier for Pakistanis living in Saudi Arabia. The airline said the new air link would also strengthen connectivity between Karachi and Riyadh.

Karachi is Pakistan’s largest city and a major aviation hub, while Riyadh is Saudi Arabia’s political and economic centre. A direct connection between the two cities provides an additional link for passengers travelling between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Importance for Pakistani travellers

Saudi Arabia remains an important destination for Pakistani travellers. Many Pakistanis live and work in Saudi Arabia, while others travel there for family visits, business and religious purposes.

The availability of direct flights can give passengers greater flexibility when planning their journeys. The new service also gives travellers another airline option on the Karachi-Riyadh route.

 For passengers, factors such as flight schedules, fares, baggage policies and availability will determine how useful the new service is for individual travel plans.

Karachi remains an important aviation hub

The launch also highlights Karachi’s role as a major centre for international air travel in Pakistan. The city serves passengers from Sindh and other parts of the country and has established air links with destinations across the Middle East and beyond.

International services from Karachi connect Pakistan with major cities where large Pakistani communities live and work. The addition of Riyadh strengthens the city’s direct connectivity with Saudi Arabia.

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