On August 11, 2025, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) launched a new flight route connecting Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to Sialkot, Pakistan.
PIA’s new service is designed to accommodate approximately 200,000 annual passengers travelling from Riyadh to various cities in Pakistan. By providing direct flights, PIA enhances convenience and strengthens air connectivity between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, catering to the growing demand for travel.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has introduced special flights for Arbaeen pilgrims travelling to Najaf, Iraq, from August 8 to August 11, with return flights scheduled between August 18 and August 23. This initiative comes in response to Pakistan’s ban on road travel to Iran and Iraq due to security concerns. PIA has set discounted fares at $675, making the pilgrimage more accessible, according to a spokesperson for the airline.
Read: PIA Launches Special Arbaeen Flights to Najaf Amid Pakistan’s Road Travel Ban
The Riyadh-Sialkot route caters to the needs of Pakistan’s diaspora in Saudi Arabia by providing convenient travel options. Likewise, the Arbaeen flights support religious pilgrims, demonstrating PIA’s dedication to cultural and spiritual connectivity. These initiatives come at a time when the airline is facing challenges, including the recent grounding of a PIA Boeing 777 in Paris, which highlights the airline’s efforts to grow despite operational obstacles.
These initiatives bolster PIA’s international presence post its January 2025 resumption of Paris flights after an EU ban. By catering to both commercial and religious travel, PIA aims to enhance its reputation and passenger trust, critical for its ongoing privatisation under Pakistan’s 2024-29 plan.
