RAWALPINDI: Flyadeal, the Saudi low-cost carrier, has expanded its operations to Pakistan with inaugural flights landing in Islamabad and Peshawar.

A spokesman for Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said that Flyadeal’s inaugural flight FAD 651/652 arrived at Islamabad International Airport and was accorded a traditional water salute upon arrival on Sunday.

The aircraft from Riyadh landed ahead of schedule at 06:08am with 65 passengers on board and was accorded a traditional water salute.

The return flight departed at 07:33am, carrying 172 passengers. Flyadeal will continue to operate a weekly flight between Riyadh and Islamabad every Sunday.

At Bacha Khan International Airport (BKIAP), Peshawar on Monday, the inaugural flight was welcomed with a cake-cutting ceremony organised by Menzies RAS at the International Departure Lounge in front of the CIP Lounge.

The event, held from 5:05-5:25am, was attended by officials of the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), Airport Security Force (ASF), and Menzies RAS. Flyadeal will now operate two weekly flights from Riyadh to Peshawar every Monday and Wednesday.

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) welcomed Flyadeal’s entry into Pakistan’s aviation market, noting that the new services to Peshawar and Islamabad will strengthen connectivity, facilitate passenger convenience, and further boost ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2025